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Credit: Inside the MagicThe Walt Disney Company, one of the world’s most iconic entertainment brands, is approaching a pivotal moment in its leadership history. As fans continue to flock to Disney theme parks and stream content on Disney+, the company is quietly preparing for a major executive transition.
Bob Iger, the legendary CEO credited with revitalizing Disney through bold acquisitions, blockbuster franchises, and innovative park experiences, has announced that his tenure will end in 2026. With the succession planning process now in full swing, speculation is mounting over who will inherit the reins of one of the globe’s most influential media and entertainment companies.
Among the potential candidates, Josh D’Amaro, Disney’s current Chairman of Disney Parks, Experiences, and Products, is emerging as the front-runner. According to a recent report from The Wall Street Journal, D’Amaro is “widely considered the leading contender” to become Disney’s next CEO.
This anticipated transition marks a critical moment not only for the company’s leadership but also for the future direction of Disney’s parks, studios, and streaming services.
The Disney CEO Succession Plan
The Disney Board of Directors has been methodically preparing for this leadership change. In January 2023, the Board intensified its approach by creating a specialized Succession Planning Committee tasked with advising on the CEO transition and ensuring alignment with Disney’s long-term strategic goals. The committee is chaired by James P. Gorman, who joined Disney’s Board in February 2024.
Gorman brings extensive experience in corporate leadership transitions, having overseen similar processes at Morgan Stanley, where he served as both CEO and Executive Chairman.
Disney’s leadership team has reportedly considered external candidates but appears poised to promote from within, signaling a preference for continuity. Within the internal pool, D’Amaro stands out, thanks to his track record overseeing Disney Parks, Experiences, and Products.
His experience managing Disney’s theme parks, resorts, and consumer products portfolio makes him uniquely equipped to lead the company into its next era, balancing creative innovation with financial performance.
Josh D’Amaro vs. Dana Walden
While D’Amaro is currently leading the race, television head Dana Walden is reportedly his strongest competitor. Both executives have presented their strategic visions to the Board during recent meetings at Walt Disney World, outlining how they would guide Disney’s future in an era of rapid technological and entertainment shifts.
Sources indicate that the Board is committed to a smooth transition, with plans for the new CEO to work alongside Iger for a period to gain full operational insight before officially assuming leadership.
The Board also aims to prevent any disruption among senior executives during the succession. Reports suggest that contract negotiations following the CEO appointment could include expanded roles or increased compensation for those not selected, helping to maintain leadership stability.
Transformations in Disney Parks
Any discussion of Disney’s future leadership inevitably intersects with the ongoing evolution of its theme parks. Under Bob Iger, Disney Parks have undergone a dramatic transformation. Classic attractions are being replaced with rides and experiences tied to Disney’s growing intellectual property (IP) library, signaling a shift toward franchise-driven entertainment.
For long-time fans, these changes are striking. Attractions such as The Great Movie Ride at Hollywood Studios and Maelstrom at EPCOT have been replaced with Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway and Frozen Ever After, respectively.
While these updates attract new audiences and leverage recognizable characters, they have sparked debate among enthusiasts who lament the loss of traditional, non-IP experiences that defined Disney parks for decades. Even enduring shows like Country Bear Jamboree have been updated to include more familiar Disney songs, reflecting the company’s broader strategic emphasis on franchise integration.
Upcoming Park Projects
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Cars Land and Villains Land, which will replace Rivers of America and Tom Sawyer Island.
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Monstropolis, a Monsters, Inc.-themed area taking over Muppet*Vision 3D.
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Tropical Americas, featuring Encanto and Indiana Jones, set to occupy the former DinoLand U.S.A.
These new lands promise state-of-the-art technology, immersive storytelling, and crowd-pleasing attractions. However, they also highlight the ongoing tension between modernizing the parks and preserving Disney’s historical charm.
The Future of Disney Leadership
With Josh D’Amaro positioned as the likely successor to Bob Iger, the next phase of Disney leadership is poised to build on Iger’s foundation while charting new territory. D’Amaro’s deep experience in park operations and global consumer products gives him the insight needed to navigate Disney’s vast ecosystem of businesses, from theme parks to streaming services.
As Disney prepares for a new CEO in early 2026, fans and investors alike are watching closely. The transition will not only determine the company’s creative direction but also influence strategic decisions across media, technology, and global entertainment markets.
With D’Amaro leading the way, Disney may continue to evolve its parks with franchise-focused experiences, leverage technological innovations, and expand its global footprint—all while striving to balance nostalgia with forward-thinking growth.
The Walt Disney Company stands at a crossroads. Bob Iger’s impending departure marks the end of an era, and Josh D’Amaro’s rise as the leading contender to become Disney’s next CEO signals a potential continuation of Iger’s vision infused with fresh leadership.
While classic park attractions may be giving way to franchise-driven experiences, the core mission of Disney—to entertain, inspire, and innovate—remains unchanged. As the 2026 CEO announcement approaches, all eyes are on D’Amaro, the executive most likely to shape the next chapter in Disney’s storied history.