Disney Already Has New Leader

by Bruno Pferd February 3, 2026

written by Bruno Pferd February 3, 2026

Key Takeaways

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Josh DAmaro, a Disney veteran with nearly 30 years of experience, has been appointed as the new Executive Chairman after Bob Igers nearly 20-year tenure.
The appointment signals a transition period for Disney, particularly following their recent $60 billion global theme park expansion.
DAmaros selection was influenced by his successful leadership in Disneys theme park division and consumer products.
As DAmaro takes over, Disney is facing significant developments within both the Star Wars and Marvel franchises, while also experiencing box-office success and navigating changes at Lucasfilm.

Disney Taps Josh D’Amaro as Executive Chairman After Iger’s 20-Year Tenure

Josh D’Amaro, formerly head of Disney’s theme park division and consumer products, will succeed Bob Iger as executive chairman, signaling a transition after Iger’s nearly 20-year tenure. D’Amaro, a Disney veteran since 1998, has almost 30 years of experience with the company. At 55, he was the board’s top choice, particularly following Disney’s recent $60 billion global theme park expansion. The board has resolved the succession issues surrounding Iger’s departure, which were extended partly due to Bob Chapek’s tenure. As D’Amaro assumes leadership, Disney is experiencing box-office success while navigating changes at Lucasfilm and preparing for key developments within both the Star Wars and Marvel franchises.

In Case You Missed It

In other exciting news from the world of entertainment, Ahmed Hassan has been keeping us on our toes with his recent insights. First, he delved into the remarkable global triumph of Disney’s “Zootopia 2”, revealing how it outshone heavyweights like Avatar: Fire and Ash to become the year’s biggest success, earning a staggering $1.3 billion worldwide with China and Portugal emerging as its top markets Zootopia 2 is Year’s Biggest Success. But that’s not all! Hassan also shed light on what’s shaping up to be another significant shift for The Walt Disney Company. In his recent article titled “Disney to Change Leadership in 2026”, published on January 31st, he reveals that current executive chairman Bob Iger is planning a gradual handover of his responsibilities, aiming to step down from his CEO role by the end of next year, with candidates like Josh D’Amaro and Dana Walden being groomed for the top spot Disney to Change Leadership in 2026. Meanwhile, over in a galaxy not so far away, Marcus Thompson has been exploring the leadership shakeup at Lucasfilm. In his January 6th, 2026 article “Star Wars Veteran May Take Control in 2026”, he confirms Kathleen Kennedy’s departure and explores the implications of Dave Filoni stepping into the role of President, giving us an insightful look into what this means for the future creative direction of Star Wars Star Wars Veteran May Take Control in 2026.