Hey Disney Vacationers! Look, I’ve been a Disney Parks fan for years. I follow every move the company makes. And this news? It’s huge. Disney just named Josh D’Amaro as the next CEO. He takes over from Bob Iger on March 18, 2026. If you care about Disney Parks, you need to understand what this means.
This isn’t just another corporate shuffle. D’Amaro spent 28 years building his career at Disney. He knows the parks inside and out. He understands what fans want. And now he’s running the entire company.
Quick Summary
- Disney Board unanimously selected Josh D’Amaro as next CEO on February 3, 2026
- D’Amaro takes over from Bob Iger on March 18, 2026
- D’Amaro has 28 years at Disney and currently leads Disney Experiences (parks, resorts, cruise line)
- Dana Walden named President and Chief Creative Officer in new dual-leadership structure
- Disney Experiences generated $36 billion in revenue in FY2025
- Three candidates are top contenders to fill D’Amaro’s Disney Experiences chairman role: Thomas Mazloum, Ken Potrock, and Jeff Vahle
Bob Iger Steps Down Early
On January 30, 2026, The Wall Street Journal reported that Bob Iger plans to step down as Disney CEO before his contract expires on December 31, 2026.
According to the WSJ, Iger told associates in recent months that he is ready to step back from the demands of running Disney. The report cites frustration over conflicts at ABC. This includes the brief suspension of late-night host Jimmy Kimmel.
People familiar with Iger’s thinking told the WSJ he wants to spend more time on personal interests. He wants to work with his wife Willow Bay. Bay serves as dean of the USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism. Iger and Bay purchased Angel City FC in 2024. Angel City FC is a women’s soccer team.
Transition Timeline
The exact timing of Iger’s departure has not been finalized. It could change, according to the WSJ. The report indicates Iger will likely remain CEO for several months after the company announces his successor. This provides mentoring. He may retain a board position or other role at Disney after the transition.
Iger told one associate he wanted to give his successor a fresh start. He preferred not to stay until the end of the year. He felt staying until December would make the transition more difficult, the WSJ reports.
Disney Announces Josh D’Amaro as New CEO
On February 3, 2026, Disney made it official. Disney has selected Josh D’Amaro as its next CEO. The Disney Board of Directors unanimously voted to appoint D’Amaro. He has spent 28 years with the company. He currently leads Disney Experiences.
D’Amaro will take over from Bob Iger on March 18, 2026. This happens at the company’s Annual Meeting. The Board will appoint him as a director immediately after.
Dana Walden has been named President and Chief Creative Officer. This is a new position for the company. Walden previously served as Co-Chairman of Disney Entertainment.
D’Amaro’s Background at Disney
D’Amaro is 54 years old. He joined Disney in 1998 at Disneyland Resort. He became Chairman of Disney Experiences in 2020. Before that, he served as President of Walt Disney World Resort.
As head of Disney Experiences, D’Amaro oversees 12 theme parks, 57 resort hotels worldwide, Disney Cruise Line, Disney Vacation Club, Walt Disney Imagineering, and Disney Consumer Products.
The division generated $36 billion in annual revenue in FY2025. It employs 185,000 Cast Members worldwide.
D’Amaro led development of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. He led Avengers Campus. He led Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway. He led World of Frozen. He is overseeing expansion projects at Magic Kingdom, Disney Hollywood Studios, and Disneyland Resort.
Board Chair Comments on Selection
James Gorman serves as Chairman of the Disney Board of Directors. He praised D’Amaro’s selection.
“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,” said James Gorman.
Gorman noted D’Amaro’s track record. D’Amaro brings entertainment properties to life in Disney parks. He combines storytelling with technology.
Bob Iger’s Transition
Iger will continue as Senior Advisor and Board member. He stays until his retirement on December 31, 2026.
“Josh D’Amaro is an exceptional leader and the right person to become our next CEO,” said Iger. “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.”
Iger returned as CEO in 2022. He led a restructuring of the company. He focused on four priorities: improving film studio output, achieving streaming profitability, positioning ESPN as a digital sports destination, and expanding Disney Experiences.
Dana Walden’s New Role
Walden will report directly to D’Amaro. She will oversee storytelling and creative expression across Disney’s businesses.
As Co-Chairman of Disney Entertainment, Walden led Disney’s entertainment media, news, and streaming businesses.
“Dana Walden is an excellent leader who commands tremendous respect from the creative community,” said Iger. “Given that creativity is at the heart of everything Disney does, she is a wonderful choice to serve in this new leadership role.”
D’Amaro’s Statement
D’Amaro shared his gratitude in a statement.
“I am immensely grateful to the Board for entrusting me with leading a company that means so much to me and millions around the world,” said D’Amaro. “Disney’s strength has always come from our people and the creative excellence that defines our stories and experiences.”
He added his thanks to Iger. “I also want to express my gratitude to Bob Iger for his generous mentorship, his friendship, and the profound impact of his leadership.”
Succession Planning Process
The Board formed a Succession Planning Committee in January 2023. The committee evaluated internal and external candidates over multiple years.
Committee members included Gorman as Chair. Other members were directors Mary T. Barra, Jeremy Darroch, and Calvin R. McDonald. D’Amaro and Walden received mentorship from Iger. They received external coaching. They had engagement with Board directors.
Leadership Team Continuity
Disney Entertainment Co-Chairman Alan Bergman will continue in his role. ESPN Chairman James Pitaro will continue in his role. The company’s senior leadership team will support D’Amaro and Walden during the transition.
Why Disney Created a Dual-Headed Leadership Model
Here’s something I predicted back on December 3, 2025. I said Disney could look at a dual-headed leadership model. And I was right.
Remember the Michael Eisner and Frank Wells era? Disney split leadership between a CEO and a President. One person focused on creative strategy. The other focused on operational excellence.
The two finalists came from opposite strengths. D’Amaro brings parks and operations experience. Walden brings media and entertainment experience.
A two-leader model helps bridge the gap. This gives Disney broader leadership coverage, balanced decision-making, and lower risk during transition.
Disney learned from its past. The Bob Chapek era taught the company important lessons.
The most recent CEO transition still hangs over Disney’s decision-making. Bob Chapek came from the parks division. His tenure brought several high-profile challenges. These challenges strained the company’s reputation. His approach toward Hollywood relationships created tension. His approach toward talent compensation created tension. His approach toward public communication created tension. Disney needed stability.
Similar to Josh D’Amaro, Chapek had little experience outside of Disney Parks. It showed. News, rumors, and missteps travel faster than ever through Hollywood. Having a person with Hollywood experience in a key leadership role is essential. Disney created a new leadership position for Dana Walden for this reason.
The Next Big Question: Who Fills D’Amaro’s Role?
The company must fill the Chairman of Disney Experiences role. D’Amaro will vacate this position.
Three executives stand out as likely candidates. Their current positions make them candidates. Their track records make them candidates. The role oversees Disney’s largest business segment. The segment generated $36 billion in annual revenue in FY2025.
Thomas Mazloum: Disneyland Resort President
Thomas Mazloum currently serves as President of Disneyland Resort. He leads 36,000 cast members. He oversees Disneyland, Disney California Adventure, three resort hotels, and Downtown Disney District.
Mazloum took the Disneyland position after serving as President of Disney Signature Experiences. He led Disney Cruise Line during expansion. The expansion will double the fleet size by 2031. He oversaw plans for a second island destination in The Bahamas. He oversaw new ports of call worldwide.
As President of Disney Signature Experiences, Mazloum also managed Disney Vacation Club, Adventures by Disney, National Geographic Expeditions, Golden Oak, Aulani, Disney Institute, and Storyliving by Disney.
Before that role, he served as Senior Vice President of Operations at Walt Disney World Resort. He oversaw 31 resort hotels, Disney Springs, ESPN Wide World of Sports, and transportation operations.
Mazloum began his Disney career in 1998. He started as a hotel director for Disney Cruise Line. He later served as General Manager of Food & Beverage and Special Events at EPCOT. Before returning to Disney in 2017, he was Chief Operating Officer for Crystal Cruise Line.
Born in Austria, Mazloum earned his degree in hotel management in Innsbruck. He has received business certifications from Cornell University, the Hotel School of Lausanne, and the Hotel School of Salzburg.
Mazloum is currently guiding Disneyland Resort through its 70th anniversary celebration. He oversees DisneylandForward. DisneylandForward enables expansion and investment in Anaheim for the next 40 years.
Ken Potrock: Major Events Integration President
Ken Potrock serves as President of Major Events Integration for The Walt Disney Company. He leads the company’s engagement across sports, entertainment, and tourism events in California and the United States.
Potrock oversees Disney’s involvement in tentpole events. These include America’s 250th anniversary and FIFA World Cup in 2026. These include the Grammy Awards and Super Bowl LXI in 2027. These include the LA Summer Olympics and 100th anniversary of Mickey Mouse in 2028.
Potrock is a 30-year Disney veteran. He previously served as President of Disneyland Resort. He guided 36,000 cast members through the pandemic. He secured approval for DisneylandForward. He led major expansions. These expansions include Avengers Campus at Disney California Adventure, The Villas at the Disneyland Hotel, and reimagined lands like Mickey’s Toontown and San Fransokyo Square.
Before leading Disneyland Resort, Potrock served as President of Disney Consumer Products. He also served as Senior Vice President of Disney Sports Enterprises, Disney Vacation Club, Golden Oak, and Adventures by Disney.
He began his Disney career in 1995. He started as Vice President of Marketing for Disney Cruise Line. He helped launch the company’s entry into the cruise industry.
Jeff Vahle: Walt Disney World Resort President
Jeff Vahle is President of Walt Disney World Resort. He oversees approximately 80,000 cast members. He oversees four theme parks, more than 25 resort hotels, two water parks, a sports complex, and Disney Springs.
Now in his 36th year with Disney Experiences, Vahle has opened major attractions since taking the role five years ago. These include Zootopia: Better Zoogether, the reimagined Test Track, Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, Country Bear Musical Jamboree, Journey of Water, TRON Lightcycle / Run, and Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind.
He has overseen resort refurbishments and expansions. These include the new Island Tower at Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows. These include numerous food and beverage locations across Walt Disney World.
Vahle is currently managing billions of dollars in investments. These investments fund new lands and attractions at Magic Kingdom, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
In addition to Walt Disney World, Vahle oversees Worldwide Safety, Health, Engineering and Sourcing for Disney Experiences. These teams prioritize safety at Disney vacation experiences globally.
Prior to his current role, Vahle led Disney Signature Experiences and Facilities and Operations Services for Disney theme parks worldwide.
Since beginning his Disney career in 1990, Vahle has held leadership roles in developing Disney California Adventure Park, Hong Kong Disneyland, and Shanghai Disney Resort.
He serves on the boards of trustees for Rollins College and the University of Central Florida. He is part of the Orlando Economic Partnership. He is a member of The Florida Council of 100.
Vahle earned a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Auburn University. He earned a master’s degree in business administration from Rollins College.
Comparing the Candidates
All three candidates have extensive Disney Experiences backgrounds. Their backgrounds span decades. Each has led major resort properties. Each has managed large workforces.
Mazloum brings cruise line expertise and international hotel management experience. His oversight of Disney Signature Experiences gave him exposure to multiple business lines beyond theme parks.
Potrock’s current role in Major Events Integration positions him to leverage Disney’s ecosystem around tentpole events. His marketing background and consumer insights experience differ from the traditional operations path to the chairman role.
Vahle manages Disney’s largest single resort property. He oversees global safety and engineering functions. His engineering background and experience opening international parks provide technical expertise.
D’Amaro’s Path to Chairman
D’Amaro became Chairman of Disney Experiences in 2020. He served as President of Walt Disney World Resort before that. Before that, he was President of Disneyland Resort.
His career path shows Disney’s preference. Disney prefers promoting leaders with hands-on experience running major resort properties. Disney moves them into the chairman position after this experience.
Both Mazloum and Vahle currently hold resort president positions. These positions are similar to what D’Amaro had before his promotion. Potrock previously held the Disneyland Resort president role. He has moved into a different position.
Timeline for Announcement
Disney has not indicated when it will announce D’Amaro’s replacement. The company could make the announcement before D’Amaro’s March 18 transition to CEO. The company could wait until after the leadership change is complete.
The next Disney Experiences chairman will report directly to D’Amaro in his CEO role. This relationship may influence Disney’s selection. D’Amaro will want someone who understands his vision for the division.
What This Means for Disney Parks Fans
Let me be clear about what matters here. Josh D’Amaro understands Disney Parks. He started at Disneyland. He ran Walt Disney World. He knows what makes the parks special.
Under his leadership as Chairman of Disney Experiences, we got Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. We got Avengers Campus. We got major expansions across multiple parks. He delivers projects that fans actually want.
Now he’s CEO. He oversees the entire company. But his background is in parks. His passion is in parks. That matters.
The dual-leadership model with Dana Walden balances things out. Walden brings Hollywood experience. She understands the entertainment side. D’Amaro brings operational excellence and parks knowledge. Together, they cover all bases.
Disney learned from the Chapek era. They’re not making the same mistake twice. They’re setting D’Amaro up for success with the right support structure.
The question now is who takes over Disney Experiences. Mazloum, Potrock, or Vahle each bring different strengths. Whoever gets the job will shape the future of Disney Parks for years to come.
This is a pivotal moment for Disney. The company chose a leader who came up through the parks. Someone who understands the guest experience. Someone who has delivered on major projects.
As a Disney Parks fan, I’m optimistic. D’Amaro gets it. He knows what we care about. And now he has the power to make it happen across the entire company.
March 18, 2026 marks the start of a new era at Disney. An era led by someone who truly understands the magic of Disney Parks.
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Meet the Author: Nate Bishop
I’m a die-hard Disney fan with 38 years of visits under my belt, having stepped into Disney World 120+ times. Proud to be a Disney Annual Passholder, a Vacation Club member since ’92, a Castaway Club Member, and a runDisney enthusiast. Oh, and I’ve graduated from the Disney College of Knowledge. Need Disney insights or planning tips? I’m your guy!
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