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

[Sirwalterraleigh]

Still cautiously optimistic. Though I still don't expect to see any improvements until Iger is out the door.

I think optimistic is too strong

“Hopeful” is more appropriate and most here share that

Iger specifically never sought good replacement candidates. Their ranks for the last 20 years have yielded almost nothing.

Which is the main reason his predecessor was indicted for…along with shareholder value decline and burning Hollywood bridges.

I will be first to praise damaro if he shows savvy and makes shrewd decisions. So far that’s in limbo.

He didn’t have a good first day. So flush this one

 

[_caleb]

I do think we're going to see some strategic distancing from Iger's approach and direction. It may be picking apart some past decisions or reversing some plans. I think this is what's behind the Villans Land "scrapping plans" rumor.

But it would be a huge missed opportunity for Josh not to capitalize on his transition into the role to set a new tone and institute some change. He's already seen as an insider and Bob's guy, so there's no need for him to offer reassurances of continuity or anything.

Does anyone remember those old Domino's Pizza "Turnaround" commercials, where they basically admitted their pizza was trash and needed a new recipe?



Or the recent Super Bowl ads from Burger King, where they read fan complaints about their food, service, and restaurants?



This is Josh's opportunity to film himself walking through the parks, talking to guests, and reflecting on how expensive things have become.

 

[JoeCamel]

So, what global catastrophe is Iger masterminding in order to be asked to come back and be CEO again?

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Have you looked out the window lately?
The handbasket is getting full of hockey sticks

 

[HMF]

Alright gang, what’ll be the first move that D’Amaro will do that’ll make everyone hate him and wanting Iger back

Trust me, that is one mistake they won't repeat. As bad as D'Amaro might be, I highly doubt he will be the level of bad we saw with Chapek.

 

[HMF]

Also don’t disagree here. But the consuming public is ambivalent at best over AI stuff - they are affected by it, purchase items with AI art, and willfully share AI creations (whether news articles or Seedance type creations).

Actually, thinking things through and considering the implications is not a talent a lot of people have these days. There are positive aspects to AI. The question is will it be utilized correctly or not. if it helps people and is able to assist them to have more fulfilling lives then great. What I wouldn't want is for it to replace artists and creatives.

 

[HMF]

Here's the memo Josh D'Amaro sent out today:

Dear Fellow Employees and Cast Members,

More than 40 years ago, my family took me to Disneyland for the first time. One of the first attractions we rode was Peter Pan’s Flight, inspired by the animated film so many families already knew and loved. I can still picture my father’s face when our pirate ship lifted into the dark. As we flew over London, he leaned in and said, “See, I told you. It feels like we’re flying!” I remember that moment clearly. It was joy. It was family. And it was Disney.

I have thought about that moment many times because it captures something essential about this company. At its best, Disney creates stories, characters, and experiences that people connect with deeply and carry with them for a lifetime. That takes exceptional creativity, craftsmanship, and thousands of people united by a shared commitment to excellence.

As I step into the CEO role today, I am humbled and honored to help write the next chapter of this company alongside this team.

The magic of Disney comes to life in many ways — through our films and series, ESPN and sports, our music and stage shows, our streaming platforms and consumer products, and our theme parks, hotels, and cruise ships. Each strengthens the others, extending Disney’s reach in ways no one else can match.

That puts Disney in a category of one. It was clear to me when I started here 28 years ago, and it is even clearer today. No one else can do what we do with the same combination of creativity, quality, and global scale. We reach people in more places than ever before, and every minute of every day, someone somewhere in the world is engaging with Disney.

We stand on an extraordinary foundation, and the priorities that will guide us forward are clear.

First, great storytelling and creative excellence will remain our North Star. They underpin every decision we make. We will continue to raise the bar, take smart risks, learn quickly, and deliver work that exceeds our audiences’ expectations and our own.

Second, we will embrace technology to unlock new possibilities. Innovation has always been part of Disney’s DNA. Used thoughtfully, it can empower our storytellers, strengthen our capabilities, and help us create more immersive, interactive, and personal ways for people to experience Disney.

Third, we will operate as One Disney. Our greatest advantage is not any one business, but how our global businesses come together. When our teams are aligned and working in a connected way, we can build on our strengths, reach people wherever they are, and deepen their relationship with Disney.

This transition comes at a moment when the world is changing faster than ever. While that can feel daunting at times, it is also exciting. Disney has endured and thrived for generations by meeting change with vision, ambition, integrity, and optimism. Bob Iger has led this company in that spirit, and I am grateful for his trust, mentorship, and friendship through the years.

It is a privilege to follow in his footsteps and lead this team, and I do so with a deep sense of responsibility and excitement about our future. This is an extraordinary company, and that is because of the talented, passionate, and dedicated people who work here.

That feeling of flying I had on Peter Pan all those years ago is still real to me. And today, I am honored to move forward with all of you — with ambition, optimism, and absolute confidence in what we can build together.

Josh

Yes because the "One Disney" concept worked so famously well before when Jay Rasulo said it.

 

[HMF]

I mean some people like having the stock valued right around the same level that it was 15 years ago.

Iger overstayed his welcome by a decade or two IMHO and I never thought that highly of him to begin with. He did FAR more damage to the company than Michael Eisner ever did. Pity Roy E. did not live long enough to force him out when it was needed.

 

[HMF]

Strict requirement to enter Disney parks will require all of us to wear tight pants and big smiles!

No those are just the requirements to work there.

 

[HMF]

Still cautiously optimistic. Though I still don't expect to see any improvements until Iger is out the door.

I am not expecting any improvement or incidental improvements at best. The only thing that would actually impress me if they cancelled the Cars invasion of Frontierland and refilled the ROA which is clearly not going to happen.

 

[HMF]

I don’t want any of Igers input on anything anymore

I just hope he actually stays out of the creative process and doesn't stay on as a "Consultant" again. Again, in the early Iger days there were a lot of leftover people from the Eisner-era, so the direction Bob ended up taking the company didn't really begin to emerge until about five years in. Chapek never even really got the opportunity to make drastic changes in his short tenure though admittedly that was probably a good thing.

 

[HMF]

I do think we're going to see some strategic distancing from Iger's approach and direction. It may be picking apart some past decisions or reversing some plans. I think this is what's behind the Villans Land "scrapping plans" rumor.

But it would be a huge missed opportunity for Josh not to capitalize on his transition into the role to set a new tone and institute some change. He's already seen as an insider and Bob's guy, so there's no need for him to offer reassurances of continuity or anything.

Does anyone remember those old Domino's Pizza "Turnaround" commercials, where they basically admitted their pizza was trash and needed a new recipe?



Or the recent Super Bowl ads from Burger King, where they read fan complaints about their food, service, and restaurants?



This is Josh's opportunity to film himself walking through the parks, talking to guests, and reflecting on how expensive things have become.

I do find it fascinating that Burger King decided to bring back their logo from the 90s a few years back.

 

[coffeefan]

One of his first big issues is how he handles the Avengers film release. It doesn’t look (for now) that Dune 3 is budging off of its release date, and there’s some indication they have a bunch of IMAX screens locked up. The November / December calendar is pretty crowded

As long as he doesn't delay it... Hopefully he makes a deal with WB or something, but yeah, I don't know.

 

[Tha Realest]

Leaning more into variable pricing

A certain site is reporting Disney Springs shops have started rolling out digital price signs.

The era of Josh is upon us!

 

[DCLcruiser]

A certain site is reporting Disney Springs shops have started rolling out digital price signs.

The era of Josh is upon us!

Ponchos are going to get really expensive, just when you need one.

 

[Tha Realest]

Ponchos are going to get really expensive, just when you need one.

They’re like $1.50 each at Walmart and take minimal space in your carryon or backpack you may wear in the park

 

[_caleb]

I'm sure the move to electronic price tags at Disney Springs was a clear and direct mandate from Josh.

Next, he's going to direct that all the parking lot marking lines be moved 1/4" so they can add an additional parking spot per row.

I hear he's mandated 3/4-ply toilet paper across all properties.

 

[DCLcruiser]

They’re like $1.50 each at Walmart and take minimal space in your carryon or backpack you may wear in the park

Those aren’t official WDW ponchos.

Nostalgia time: I remember when parks had their own ponchos. My mom had a great beige one with safari Mickey from DAK.

 

[HauntedPirate]

I hear he's mandated 3/4-ply toilet paper across all properties.

Wait… TP in the parks can get worse?!?

 

[Tha Realest]

I'm sure the move to electronic price tags at Disney Springs was a clear and direct mandate from Josh.

Next, he's going to direct that all the parking lot marking lines be moved 1/4" so they can add an additional parking spot per row.

I hear he's mandated 3/4-ply toilet paper across all properties.

This has been in the works for awhile, and has been in place at Disneyland Paris already (while he oversaw parks). Variable pricing has been in place with LL for example for years (also while he oversaw parks - heck, paid LL came online while he was over parks).

But maybe these anti-consumer things just keep happening all around him and he’s powerless to stop them, even now as CEO.

 

[_caleb]

This has been in the works for awhile, and has been in place at Disneyland Paris already (while he oversaw parks). Variable pricing has been in place with LL for example for years (also while he oversaw parks - heck, paid LL came online while he was over parks).

But maybe these anti-consumer things just keep happening all around him and he’s powerless to stop them, even now as CEO.

Of course, the buck stops with the CEO. I'm not defending the decision (hate the predatory nature of variable pricing).

But we don't have insight into which decisions actually hit Josh's desk for consideration and which are just done by retail leads who are happy to report new cost savings or revenue streams for minimal investment.

Bob Iger didn't decide to include Megan Thee Stallion in that infamous She-Hulk scene. He didn't approve the bad fonts and amateur graphic design used in MK's signage over the last several years. He probably has no idea what a churro costs.

Josh, Iger, Eisner, it doesn't matter who's in charge, disgruntled fans are going to blame the CEO. I'm not defending them, this is why they make the big bucks! I'm just saying they make convenient scapegoats for anying we don't like, even when other factors are likely to be responsible.