Disney CEO Bob Iger will retire from the company at the end of the year, and Disney Experiences president Josh D’Amaro will take over as CEO on March 18, 2026, the company announced Monday.

Iger, 74, will retire on December 31, 2026, having first joined the company in 1996.

Dana Walden, Co-President of Disney Entertainment, who oversees the company’s film, television, news and streaming businesses, was named president and chief creative officer, a newly created company-wide role. Walden will report directly to D’Amaro and oversee storytelling and creative strategy across all Disney platforms.

DINING ROOM DISNEY ELEVATING THEME PARK

Bob Iger, CEO of The Walt Disney Co., arrives at the Allen and Co. Media and Technology Conference. in Sun Valley, Idaho on July 8, 2025. (David Paul Morris/Bloomberg via Getty Images/Getty Images)

The change in leadership comes as Disney adapts to changing consumer habits through streaming, theatrical releases and sports media.

“Josh D’Amaro is an exceptional leader and the right person to become our next CEO,” Iger said in a statement.

“He has an instinctive appreciation of the Disney brand and a deep understanding of what resonates with our audiences, along with the rigor and attention to detail required to deliver on some of our most ambitious projects. His ability to combine creativity with operational excellence is exemplary, and I’m excited for Josh and company.”

As president of Disney Experiences, the company’s largest business segment, D’Amaro, 54, oversees a division that generated revenue of $36 billion in fiscal 2025 and has led the global expansion of Disney’s theme parks, including major investments in the United States and Asia. and Europe.

D’Amaro, a 28-year Disney veteran, said he is immensely grateful to the board for entrusting him to lead the company in his new role.

DISNEY PRESENTS NEW SHOW IN THE PARK IN A MASSIVE TRANSFORMATION

From left, James Gorman, chairman of the board of directors of The Walt Disney Company; Josh D’Amaro, Disney Experiences President and CEO Designate; Dana Walden, co-chairman of Disney Entertainment; and Bob Iger, CEO of The Walt Disney (The Walt Disney Company)

“Disney’s strength has always come from our people and the creative excellence that defines our stories and experiences,” said D’Amaro.

“There are no limits to what Disney can achieve, and I’m excited to work with our company teams and brilliant creative partners to honor Disney’s remarkable legacy while continuing to innovate, grow and deliver exceptional value for our consumers and shareholders. I also want to express my gratitude to Bob Iger for his generous mentorship, his friendship, and the profound impact of his leadership.”

The change in leadership comes as Disney adapts to changing consumer habits through streaming, theatrical releases and sports media. (Patrick T. Fallon/AFP via Getty Images/Getty Images)

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Board President James Gorman offered praise Iger’s leadership, noting that the board asked him to return as CEO in 2022 to guide Disney through a difficult transition and help prepare the company for a leadership transition. Gorman said Iger accomplished both goals while strengthening Disney’s position for the future.

“After nearly two decades at the helm of Disney, the Iger era has been defined by tremendous growth, an unwavering commitment to excellence in creativity and innovation, and exemplary stewardship of this iconic institution,” Gorman said.

Disney said Iger has provided extensive mentoring to internal candidates throughout its succession planning process.

Iger first stepped down as CEO in 2020, then returned to the role in 2022 after the departure of Bob Chapek.