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

JohnD

Well-Known Member
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.

 

_caleb

Well-Known Member
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.
 

HauntedPirate

Park nostalgist
Premium Member
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

Well-Known Member
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

Well-Known Member
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.
 

DCBaker

Premium Member
Original Poster
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.
 

DCBaker

Premium Member
Original Poster
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

Well-Known Member
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!
 

Disney Irish

Premium Member
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!
You do realize that Dana is still in a leadership position, and has even been promoted to a higher position than before, so she has even more influence over the company than she did previously.
 

DCBaker

Premium Member
Original Poster
Matt Ouimet on D'Amaro:

Josh D’Amaro is Disney’s new CEO.

He is a good guy and a very talented businessman.

As the years pass he will be judged by both Main Street and Wall Street.

Residents of Main Street seek to be entertained by compelling and creative content delivered through all the forms and channels Disney controls.

Residents of Wall Street want to see profits grow, driving the stock value higher.

It is reminiscent of Rumplestiltskin. Josh and his colleagues are tasked with spinning content straw into gold.

As an edited line from a Disney Cruise line show goes: “It has all happened before and it may happen again, but this time it will happen to Josh and his friends.”

There have been periods of dramatic growth for Disney before, but this time is different. The scale of the company is greater, competitors are stronger and the impact of technology is unprecedented.

I had drafted something more complicated but this says it in a lot less words:

I believe in Josh but not in the stock.

At the current scale of the company with the challenges noted, expecting significant growth to drive the stock price higher is a fairy tale.

I am certain that Josh will prove to an outstanding leader of the company. His impact may not ever receive the highest of accolades on Wall Street but I am quite certain that with his focus on creativity and quality content he will be happily welcomed on Main Street.

Why is growth the ultimate measure of success? Isn’t enough to keep a great brand, great.

With Josh in charge I am looking forward to watching more great movies, visiting the parks more and cancelling my Wall Street Journal subscription.

Disney is in good hands.
 

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