Disney Chief Officer Steps Down, Will Now Leave Company With Bob Iger

The House of Mouse is charting a new course, and that means a slew of fresh faces to navigate the future.

The Walt Disney Company is once again preparing for a major leadership transition, as Chief Executive Officer Bob Iger has confirmed he will step down, marking the end of a defining chapter in the company’s modern history. After guiding Disney through some of its most transformative years–including major acquisitions, the launch of Disney+, and a dramatic post-pandemic post-Bob Chapek recovery–Iger’s departure signals a significant shift for the entertainment giant.

The company’s board has selected Josh D’Amaro, currently Chairman of Disney Experiences, as Iger’s successor. D’Amaro is set to assume the role on March 18, 2026. His appointment ends months of speculation surrounding who would ultimately take the helm of one of the world’s most influential entertainment brands.

Iger’s relationship with Disney has been anything but straightforward in recent years. After initially stepping down in 2020, he returned in 2022 to stabilize the company during a turbulent period marked by streaming losses, restructuring efforts, and broader industry uncertainty. His second tenure focused heavily on recalibrating Disney’s financial strategy, streamlining operations, and restoring investor confidence. While many credit him with steadying the ship, questions surrounding long-term succession remained at the forefront.

The decision to elevate D’Amaro reflects Disney’s increasing reliance on its Experiences division, which includes theme parks, cruise lines, resorts, and consumer products. In recent years, that segment has proven to be one of Disney’s strongest financial performers. Under D’Amaro’s leadership, the parks division navigated pandemic closures, evolving guest expectations, and significant expansion projects. His operational experience and deep familiarity with Disney’s brand identity positioned him as a compelling candidate for the top job.

However, D’Amaro’s promotion does not stand alone. As part of the leadership restructuring, Dana Walden has been appointed President and Chief Creative Officer, reinforcing Disney’s continued emphasis on storytelling and content creation. The move suggests a deliberate effort to balance operational strength with creative oversight, ensuring that Disney’s film, television, and streaming ambitions remain central to its future strategy.

Disney Chief Communications Officer Steps Down

March 18 will mark another change for the Mouse House, as Kristina Schake–the current Chief Communications Officer of The Walt Disney Company–will also exit the company.

“Kristina Schake, Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Communications Officer, will depart the company after March 18, 2026, coinciding with the end of Bob Iger’s tenure as Chief Executive Officer,” the official Disney press release reads. “Schake, who joined Disney in 2022, has served as a member of the company’s senior management team and advisor to the CEO and Board of Directors, helping to advance Disney’s business and strategic objectives, strengthen its long-term positioning, and navigate a period of significant change for the company and the broader industry.”

The former Joe Biden appointee addressed her time at Disney, stating that the company is in a vastly different place since she joined four years ago.

“I am so thankful to have had the opportunity to serve The Walt Disney Company during such a pivotal chapter in its history. The company I joined in 2022 was in a vastly different place from where it is today, both reputationally and from a business perspective, and I am proud of the work our worldwide communications team has done to support Bob as he has put Disney on a steady course for growth for the next generation of leaders.

With that mission now successfully completed, I’m looking forward to my next challenge. Working alongside Bob, his management team, and so many exceptional communications professionals has been a privilege I will carry with me forever, and I leave with tremendous respect for this institution and great confidence in Disney’s future under Josh D’Amaro and Dana Walden.”

The March 18 transition arrives during a complicated period for the broader entertainment landscape. Legacy media companies continue to adapt to the realities of streaming economics, shifting consumer habits, and evolving advertising models. While Disney’s parks and experiences division has provided consistent revenue, its streaming platforms have faced increasing scrutiny over profitability and long-term sustainability. The next phase of leadership will likely be defined by how effectively Disney aligns its creative output with financial discipline.

Investor reaction to the announcement has been measured, reflecting both optimism and caution. Leadership changes at a company of Disney’s scale inevitably bring uncertainty. Yet D’Amaro’s long-standing tenure within the organization may offer reassurance that the company’s core values and long-term strategy will remain intact.

Beyond the financial implications, this transition marks the end of an era shaped heavily by Iger’s influence. His leadership oversaw landmark acquisitions, global park expansions, and the transformation of Disney into a streaming competitor. As he steps aside, the responsibility now shifts to a new generation of executives tasked with guiding the company through its next chapter.

For Disney fans and industry observers alike, the coming months will be closely watched. The company’s direction under D’Amaro will ultimately be measured not just by earnings reports, but by how effectively it preserves the creative and experiential magic that has defined Disney for more than a century.

How do you think Disney will change under the new leadership? Let Inside the Magic know in the comments down below!