Disney CEO Succession Nears With Josh D'Amaro
Disney CEO succession edges closer as the board readies a vote to name parks chief Josh D'Amaro, a continuity pick that could keep focus on parks profits.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Reports said the board was close to naming Josh D'Amaro and had planned a vote.
- Disney said the board had not yet selected a CEO and would announce when decided.
- D'Amaro led Disney Experiences, overseeing $60.0 billion in resort expansion and key cruise and Epic Games investments.
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The Walt Disney Co. said no CEO has been selected, even as Disney CEO succession draws attention amid reports the board is set to name Josh D'Amaro and expects a vote next week. There was no announcement during its Feb. 2 Q1 FY2026 earnings call.
Board Vote Nears as Succession Process Advances
A report timestamped 20:01:13 ET on Feb. 1 said the board was close to choosing Josh D'Amaro, chairman of Disney Experiences, and planned to hold a vote next week. A January 2026 regulatory filing reiterated the board’s intent to appoint a successor by early 2026 ahead of the March shareholder meeting.
Chairman James Gorman has led the multi-year succession process since it began in 2024. The company said the board has not yet selected the next CEO and will announce the decision once made. No CEO announcement was made during the Q1 FY2026 earnings call.
D'Amaro’s Background and Strategic Stakes
Josh D'Amaro joined Disney in 1998 and has held roles across finance, strategy, marketing, operations, and creative development. He served as president of the Disneyland Resort in 2018, became president of Walt Disney World in 2019, and was named chairman of Disney Experiences in 2020, overseeing theme parks, resorts, and cruise operations.
Under his leadership, Disney Experiences has pursued roughly $60 billion in resort expansion, nearly doubled the cruise fleet, and made a $1.5 billion investment in Epic Games. This division has been a key profit source amid losses in the company’s streaming business.
Q1 FY2026 results showed stronger revenue and earnings driven by theme parks, resorts, and cruises. The company’s finance chief said a successor would inherit a business with momentum.
If the board names D'Amaro, it would signal a continuity choice that maintains the parks-led profit engine and ongoing capital programs. The next CEO would oversee heavy near-term park investments and recent operational strength, focusing on executing established expansion and cruise plans rather than a strategic overhaul.
