Disney began a new chapter Wednesday with Josh D’Amaro officially taking the reins as the entertainment and media giant’s new CEO.
D’Amaro succeeded Bob Iger at the Disney‘s annual shareholders, marking the end of a closely watched leadership shift.
D’Amaro previously served as head of Disney Experiences—the division overseeing the theme parks, cruise line and merchandising.
In a pre-recorded address, D’Amaro outlined some of his priorities for the company, including focusing on storytelling, embracing technology and ensuring the company’s different divisions are operating as one.
“As we look ahead, we will capitalize on our strengths by focusing on coming together as on Disney to deliver a more connected, personalized, and immersive experience to our consumers—wherever they are and whenever they would like to engage with us,” D’Amaro said. “The heart of that relationship is—and it will always be—our storytelling.”
Disney+ will be a key part of the company’s future, becoming what D’Amaro called the “digital centerpiece.”
D’Amaro said the streaming platform will be “a portal that connects our stories, experiences, games, films and more in entirely new ways.”
The company also plans to unify Disney+ and Hulu later this year.
D’Amaro also shared updates about Disney’s upcoming movie slate, including announcing the dates for the live-action “Lilo & Stitch,” which releases May 26, 2028, and “Incredibles 3,” which arrives in theaters June 16, 2028.
The new CEO also revealed the name of Disney Cruise Line’s next ship. Disney Believe, the 9th ship in the company’s fleet, is set to debut in late 2027.
D’Amaro, 55, got his start with Disney nearly 30 years ago at Disneyland. During his time with the company, D’Amaro has held a variety of leadership roles.
In February, Disney announced D’Amaro as the company’s next CEO. Iger called D’Amaro an “exceptional leader.”
Iger, who had been the CEO for nearly 20, will serve in an advisory role until his retirement in December.
Starting his Disney career in 1974 at ABC, Iger rose through ranks and by 2005 he was named CEO of the company.
During his tenure, Iger led the acquisition of Pixar Animation, Marvel Entertainment, Lucasfilm and the Fox entertainment assets.
In early 2020, Iger stepped down as CEO, passing the torch to his hand-picked successor Bob Chapek. However, Iger’s retirement was short-lived. In November 2022, the board ousted Chapek and brought Iger back as CEO.
Following his return, Iger laid out his priorities, which including restructuring part of the company to improve quality, returning control to the creatives and picking a successor.
In a pre-recorded message shown during the shareholder meeting on Wednesday, Iger reflected on his career at Disney and said his farewell.
“Thank you for the trust you placed in me, for the memories we created together and for allowing me the honor of serving,” Iger said. “It has meant more to me than I can say. The stories and experiences Disney will bring to the world will continue to inspire, entertain and connect generations just as they always have.”
Wednesday’s meeting also marked the beginning of a new leadership structure at the company.
Longtime TV executive Dana Walden, stepped into the newly formed role of president and chief creative officer. She will lead Disney’s film, TV, streaming and games business.
The leadership team under Walden will include Alan Bergman, who will remain chairman of Disney Studios, FX chairman John Landgraf, and Joe Early and Adam Smith as co-presidents of Direct to Consumer.
