News Josh D’Amaro Named Next CEO of The Walt Disney Company

[Sirwalterraleigh]

FYI the stock is finishing up from the S&P. This ended up being a neutral reaction to the decision. Not surprising, since it should have been baked in already, this wasn’t a surprise to any of us after all today.

That kinda makes sense

They only care that it’s not making enough money and the outlook sucks…not about who is the figurehead

Rest of the week is worth watching…

 

[DisneyHead123]

Nelson Peltz is apparently rather unimpressed with D'Amaro's selection, and said it will give Bob another chance to "save the day" ala Chapek, since D'Amaro has no entertainment experience.

Source: https://nypost.com/2026/02/03/busin...ng-disneys-ceo-succession-to-stay-in-power-2/

Iger is 74… no matter how optimistic he feels about his health, I doubt he’s setting up a plan that would involve years of D’Amaro rising and then falling, then additional years of Iger back at the helm.

 

[Disney Analyst]

Nelson Peltz is apparently rather unimpressed with D'Amaro's selection, and said it will give Bob another chance to "save the day" ala Chapek, since D'Amaro has no entertainment experience.




Source: https://nypost.com/2026/02/03/busin...ng-disneys-ceo-succession-to-stay-in-power-2/

I’m greatly unimpressed that Peltz has appeared once again to give unsolicited opinions. He’s like the groundhog, comes around once a year and ruins your day.

 

[Brian]

He’s like the groundhog, comes around once a year and ruins your day.

 

[JohnD]

I consider the reign of the Bobs pretty much the same tenure. I wasn't aware that the Bobs immediately came after Eisner when he stepped down in 2005 (Iger-Chapek-Iger). Understanding there are valid criticisms of D'Amaro, I'm looking forward to leadership more comparable to that of Eisner.

Former Disney CEO Michael Eisner Congratulates Josh D'Amaro, Offers Advice

Former Disney CEO Michael Eisner Congratulates Josh D'Amaro, Offers Advice

www.wdwmagic.com

 

[Andrew C]

I’m greatly unimpressed that Peltz has appeared once again to give unsolicited opinions. He’s like the groundhog, comes around once a year and ruins your day.

He’s the gift that keeps on giving.

 

[_caleb]

I'm hopeful D'Amaro being a parks guy will shape how he leads the company. He seems to have his own version of the personable caring leader persona, like the "Uncle Walt" role Walt portrayed publicly. I think this has been sorely lacking across Disney and could be key to building more trust (both internally and with the public and investors).

If he can be that sort of leader, he doesn't have to be an expert in every aspect of the business to succeed.

 

[Spectro shire]

Could mean additional muppets experiences in the parks as long as the special on February 4th does well.

Everyone make sure you re-up your Disney plus subscription by tomorrow and be ready to stream that on repeat for the next year. We’ll have muppet vision 3d back in no time!

It is too much to ask for the Great Muppet Movie Ride

 

[HauntedPirate]

Eisner is too smart to rock the boat.

 

[CoastalElite64]

It is too much to ask for the Great Muppet Movie Ride

My bet is on a Muppets American history attraction at MK. And a Great Movie ride with the Simpsons for DHS.

 

[HauntedPirate]

Rumor has it that Josh will be incentivizing Annual Passholders: Earn a 1% discount on renewals for every PB&J sandwich you bring into the parks and occupy a table eating. An extra .5% for every bottle of water you bring in. Just have to stop by Guest Relations to scan your AP, show your food and water, and earn those discounts!

 

[dlfan1313]

The trend right now is that Parks and Resorts are the future of this company. I think the trend was there in 2020 when Chapek took over and he was erroneously deemed as a Parks guy as well (albeit totally different). It seems even then that they realized that Streaming wasn't the future of the company.

That's a long way of saying there are different paths to appease investors. Iger largely grew the company by developing and buying brands and IP. He made a lot of decisions that were good for the finances of the company, but I'm sure if he Monday morning quarterbacked all of them behind closed doors, he'd do many things again.

Physically adding to the Parks, Resorts and Cruise Line is another way to appease investors, and that process has already started. Until such time that this no longer creates organic growth, I would hope this is the new direction.

For sure you’re right. Corporate interests have to make align and intersect at points with those of the consumer. Here’s my problem though and I know it has as much to do with shifting values of consumers and investors alike, but I honestly believe all the way from Walt through Eisner’s tenure the company did at somethings merely for the passion behind the ideas. Because it was fun,cool or simply made people smile. It was always a business but return on investment didn’t always win. Now, everything they is designed to squeeze more money out of their guests.

 

[MR.Dis]

To no ones surprise, Josh got the job. Dana was given promotion IMO to calm Wall Street concern that Josh has no creative experience (it appears to have worked, Stock opened at 104.78 and closed at 104.22). Now we all get to watch and comment like back seat drivers. After all, every poster on this forum knows how to run Disney better than these two.

 

[WDWhopper]

Hey, he’ll either do well or he’ll do poorly. I wish him the best of luck, but as seen from the last CEO train wreck, Disney won’t wait long to make a change if he’s not performing.

 

[Baron Von Capybara]

After all, every poster on this forum knows how to run Disney better than these two.

Never participated in anything run Disney or any other road races.

 

[DCBaker]

New comments from Josh D'Amaro:

The most important part of Disney will always be the people. I have had the pleasure of working with tens of thousands of Cast, Imagineers and employees over the years… and it is because of them and the millions of Disney fans around the world that I am humbled and honored for the opportunity to lead this extraordinary company.

Congratulations to Dana Walden for becoming the company’s first-ever President and Chief Creative Officer for The Walt Disney Company. I look forward to working more closely with you as we continue to cultivate and share our powerful stories to Disney fans around the world.

The remarkable foundation Bob Iger built over the last 20 years inspires all of us. As we look to Disney’s next era of innovation, creativity, and growth, I’m excited for the future and honored to stand alongside the best storytellers on earth.

 

[JohnD]

Tight pants meets tight sleeves.

 

[DCBaker]

Bruce Vaughn, President & Chief Creative Officer at Walt Disney Imagineering, on Josh D'Amaro, Dana Walden and Bob Iger:

Congratulations to Josh D'Amaro on being named the next CEO of The Walt Disney Company.

Josh has long been one of Imagineering’s most genuine champions — someone with strong creative instincts who truly understands the power of story, place, and emotional connection. I’ve had the privilege of working closely with him, and I’m personally grateful that almost three years ago he invited me back to lead Imagineering again. It’s a decision that speaks to his belief in creativity, collaboration, and the people who bring these worlds to life.

With Dana Walden serving as President and Chief Creative Officer, Josh has an accomplished creative leader helping steward the company’s storytelling as it continues to evolve across platforms and generations.

I’m also deeply grateful to Bob Iger, whose leadership and belief in creativity helped build the foundation we stand on today.

The road ahead is an exciting one — and Walt Disney Imagineering is ready.

 

[TsWade2]

I'm not surprised! Thank God it's not Dana Walden! Anyway, before I decide to like him or not, I want to hear what he wants to do with the company first before passing judgement. Because I don't take advice by negative people. No offense!

 

[Brian]

Tight pants meets tight sleeves.

I wonder if Dana will give them the questions in advance.