LOS ANGELES, Feb. 3 (Xinhua) -- The Walt Disney Company announced Tuesday that Josh D'Amaro will become the entertainment and media giant's new chief executive officer.
Disney said in a statement that the company's board of directors elected Disney Experiences Chairman Josh D'Amaro to succeed Robert A. Iger in a unanimous vote, effective at the upcoming annual meeting on March 18.
"As head of the company's largest business segment with $36 billion in annual revenue in FY2025 and 185,000 Cast Members and employees worldwide, D'Amaro, a 28-year Disney veteran, is the architect of the largest global expansion in Disney Experiences history, and has led the segment to new heights financially, creatively, and in guest satisfaction," said the statement.
D'Amaro, 54, has served as chairman of the Disney experiences segment since 2020, and prior to that he was president of Walt Disney World Resort.
"Josh D'Amaro possesses that rare combination of inspiring leadership and innovation, a keen eye for strategic growth opportunities, and a deep passion for the Disney brand and its people -- all of which make him the right person to take the helm as Disney's next CEO," said James Gorman, chairman of The Walt Disney Company board of directors.
"He has an instinctive appreciation of the Disney brand, and a deep understanding of what resonates with our audiences, paired with the rigor and attention to detail required to deliver some of our most ambitious projects," said Iger, adding that "His ability to combine creativity with operational excellence is exemplary and I am thrilled for Josh and the company."
Iger will continue to serve as senior advisor and a member of the Disney board until his retirement from the company on Dec. 31.
