The Walt Disney Company has officially entered a new era. On March 18, 2026, Josh D’Amaro officially stepped into the role of Chief Executive Officer, succeeding the legendary Bob Iger.
After a nearly three-decade career climbing the ranks of the entertainment giant, D’Amaro brings a blend of financial acumen, operational expertise, and a deep appreciation for the Disney’s creative legacy.
This Josh D’Amaro Biography will give you an inside look at the life, career, and vision of the executive now running one of the world’s most recognizable brands, Walt Disney.
Josh D’Amaro Biography Overview
| Full Name | Josh D’Amaro |
| Date of Birth | February 10, 1971 |
| Place of Birth | Massachusetts, U.S. |
| Education | Georgetown University (BS/BA in Business Administration and Marketing) |
| Spouse | Susan D’Amaro |
| Current Position | Chief Executive Officer, The Walt Disney Company |
| Previous Role | Chairman, Disney Experiences |
| Estimated Compensation | ~$38 Million to $45 Million (First-year package including bonuses |
Early Life and Education: From Art to Business
Josh D’Amaro was born on February 10, 1971, and spent his early years growing up in Massachusetts.
D’Amaro was raised in what he proudly describes as a “Disney family”. Growing up, it was a regular household tradition to gather together and watch The Wonderful World of Disney on Sunday nights.
His deep-rooted connection to the brand came at the age of 10 when his family took him to Disneyland for the very first time! During that milestone trip, he rode a classic attraction “Peter Pan’s Flight,” with his siblings, which remains his favorite at Walt Disney World today.
D’Amaro still vividly recalls the joy of that experience, particularly the memory of his father leaning in on the dark ride and saying, “See, I told you. It feels like we’re flying!”.
Initially, D’Amaro dreamt of becoming a sculptor and studied art at Skidmore College in New York.
However, questioning the sustainability of an art career, he transferred to Georgetown University.
In 1993, he graduated from Georgetown with a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and Marketing.
Then he began his professional career in the finance department of the Gillette Company in Boston, setting the foundation for his corporate journey.
How Did Josh D’Amaro Become The CEO Of Disney?
D’Amaro’s tenure at The Walt Disney Company began in 1998 at the Disneyland Resort.
Over the next 28 years, he proved his versatility by holding executive roles across finance, business strategy, marketing, creative development, and operations.
Operational Groundwork
During his first decade, D’Amaro worked in sales and travel trade marketing. He steadily expanded his portfolio, eventually becoming the Chief Financial Officer of Disney Consumer Products Global Licensing from 2008 to 2010.
His leadership quickly extended to immersive experiences when he took over Adventures by Disney as Vice President in 2010, managing global guided tour operations.
Furthermore, from 2013 to 2014, he served as Vice President of Disney’s Animal Kingdom, overseeing the planning of the park’s largest expansion: Pandora – The World of Avatar.
This success propelled him to the roles of President of Disneyland Park (2018-2019) and subsequently President of Walt Disney World Resort (2019-2020).
Chairman of Disney Experiences
In May 2020, amidst the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, D’Amaro was promoted to Chairman of Disney Experiences.
In this role, he was responsible for the company’s 12 global theme parks, 54 resorts, consumer products, and the Disney Cruise Line.
Under his leadership, the division became Disney’s most reliable profit driver, generating $36 billion in revenue in fiscal year 2025 alone.
He championed a historic $60 billion global investment plan, ushering in major expansions such as Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, Avengers Campus, and a forthcoming Middle East theme park in Abu Dhabi.
Becoming the CEO of Walt Disney
On February 3, 2026, Bob Iger officially named Josh D’Amaro as his successor, ending a highly scrutinized succession process
D’Amaro assumed the role of CEO of Disney on March 18, 2026, bringing a “One Disney” philosophy aimed at seamlessly integrating the company’s vast portfolio of parks, streaming services, sports, and studios.
D’Amaro’s first-year compensation package as CEO of Walt Disney features a$2.5 million base salary, a target bonus of $6.25 million, and a $26.25 million long-term award, plus a $9.7 million promotional bonus, all totaling to roughly $45 million.
To ensure a smooth transition, Disney’s board structured a clean break: Iger stepped down from the executive committee to serve in an advisory capacity until his retirement at the end of 2026, allowing D’Amaro the independence to shape his own legacy.
Addressing Disney Shareholders for the First Time
On March 18, 2026, D’Amaro addressed Disney’s investors for the first time as CEO during the annual shareholder meeting. He used the platform to honor his predecessor, thanking Iger for his “tremendous leadership” and “steadfast support”.
Laying out his strategic roadmap, D’Amaro emphasized that “great storytelling” remains the company’s North Star, fully augmented by cutting-edge technology.
Moreover, he proudly highlighted Disney’s global scale, stating that while competitors struggle in a fragmented media landscape, “Disney is in a category of one poised to accelerate into our next era of innovation and growth”.
During the meeting, D’Amaro provided exciting updates, including a sneak peek at Toy Story 5, praise for the animated hit Bluey, and the official naming of the company’s ninth cruise ship: the Disney Believe.
He also underscored the ongoing integration of Disney+ and Hulu, positioning the unified streaming platform as the “digital centerpiece” of the Walt Disney Company.
End Note
Josh D’Amaro steps into the role of Disney’s CEO at a crucial moment in the media landscape.
Combining his operational discipline from Disney’s highly profitable parks division with a mandate to innovate in streaming and content, D’Amaro is uniquely equipped to run the Walt Disney Co.
Grounded by his lifelong affection for the brand and guided by a forward-looking technological vision, there is no doubt that D’Amaro is well-positioned to guide the next chapter of Disney’s magical legacy.
If you found this biography of Josh D’Amaro insightful, share it to inspire others with his journey to the top!
Maria Isabel Rodrigues
FAQs
Who is the Disney CEO?
As of March 18, 2026, the Chief Executive Officer of The Walt Disney Company is Josh D’Amaro. He succeeded Bob Iger after serving as the Chairman of Disney Experiences.
Who runs Walt Disney and who is head of Disney?
Josh D’Amaro runs The Walt Disney Company as its CEO. He is supported by a robust executive team, including Dana Walden, who serves in the newly created role of President and Chief Creative Officer. James Gorman serves as the independent Chairman of the Board.
What is Josh D’Amaro salary at Disney?
For his first year as CEO, D’Amaro’s estimated total compensation package is valued between $38 million and $45 million. This includes a base salary of $2.5 million, a target annual bonus of $6.25 million, a long-term award of $26.25 million, and a one-time promotion bonus of $9.7 million.
What is Josh D’Amaro’s net worth?
While Josh D’Amaro’s exact total net worth is not publicly disclosed, his current annual compensation as CEO is structured at over $40 million in salary, stock, and bonuses. Additionally, he has held high-level executive roles within Disney for decades, contributing to substantial cumulative earnings.
