Is Josh D’Amaro Disney’s Next CEO? The Inside Scoop Revealed!

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The competition for Bob Iger’s successor as Disney CEO has become more clear-cut and intricate, with Josh D’Amaro now appearing to be the frontrunner. As reported by The Hollywood Reporter, D’Amaro, who holds the position of Chairman of Disney Experiences, has moved into a favorable position for the top job, surpassing a group of internal candidates vying for the role at Disney, which includes Dana Walden, Alan Bergman, and Jimmy Pitaro.

It’s no wonder D’Amaro has risen to prominence; he leads the team responsible for a $60 billion expansion of Disney’s theme parks, including the latest addition in Abu Dhabi – the first new Disney park since 2016. The division of Parks and Experiences is Disney’s biggest money-maker, while their TV and film divisions have struggled, despite some box office victories. This week, Disney announced a large-scale layoff affecting multiple departments, including TV, Film, and Finance, resulting in hundreds of job losses.

Apart from his responsibilities, D’Amaro is also spearheading Disney’s venture into high-end gaming through a $1.5 billion partnership with Epic Games, a project that Iger is said to view as potentially defining his legacy. In recent times, he has taken on several roles previously handled by Iger, such as representing the company at the MoffettNathanson investor conference.

As a cinephile, I’ve got to admit that while D’Amaro seems to be ticking all the operational boxes, there’s a nagging feeling stirring within the film fraternity.

Can the theme park guy win over Hollywood?

That question echoes the same perception that doomed Bob Chapek (in the official story anyway…).

According to THR, Chapek, who originated from the Parks division, faced challenges in effectively connecting with influential figures such as studio heads and key talent, particularly in the entertainment hub. However, it’s important to remember that there were other reasons behind Chapek’s departure. He assumed leadership during a time when lockdowns were enforced globally, and he reportedly felt pressured to take a firm stance against the Florida state government’s Parental Rights in Education bill. This decision led to the dissolution of Disney’s Reedy Creek Improvement district in Florida.

Indeed, it’s no secret that whispers have persisted over the years suggesting Iger was quietly maneuvering to challenge Chapek’s position and claim the throne of the Mouse House.

Despite coming across as more media-friendly and approachable, D’Amaro, as Disney CEO, continues to bear the traditional weight associated with being a “theme parks executive,” attempting to mingle comfortably within the circles of Hollywood’s influential figures.

Stephen Galloway, dean of Chapman University’s Dodge College of Film and Media Arts, stated, “The challenge at Disney is that it’s hard for someone who specializes in theme parks to grasp the intricacies of television and film production, just as it’s difficult for a professional in TV and film to comprehend the workings with the Chinese government. It seems like no one knows everything, everyone has their own area of expertise.

A Strategic Appearance at Netflix

That tension might help explain D’Amaro’s surprise appearance at Netflix’s upfront last month.

Earlier, Bloomberg had reported that D’Amaro unexpectedly attended an event, casually interacting with competitors and influential figures from Hollywood. This was an unusual action since he doesn’t manage content or advertising, but it could have been a calculated attempt to shed his “theme park executive” image and start winning favor within the entertainment industry.

If that’s true, it implies that D’Amaro recognizes his primary weakness and is actively taking steps to rectify it.

The Walden Wild Card

Then there’s Dana Walden, co-chair of Disney Entertainment and a long-assumed frontrunner.

Walden’s background is rich in TV production and she boasts robust connections within the creative community of Hollywood. If appointed, she would make history as Disney’s inaugural female CEO.

However, THR verifies industry assumptions that have been circulating for quite some time. The longstanding bond between her and Vice President Kamala Harris, once perceived as strong, is now seen as a political burden in the Trump 2.0 period. A relationship that was initially viewed as powerful now stirs unease about potential retribution from a White House that appears to view Disney as an adversary already.

Bergman and Pitaro: Still in the Picture…Kinda

Alan Bergman and Jimmy Pitaro round out the shortlist.

In a potential post-Iger period, Bergman, while revered, might not possess the charismatic aura Disney may desire. On the other hand, Pitaro, who oversees ESPN, has an edge due to guiding a stable asset, but he doesn’t have the high-profile exposure that D’Amaro and Walden do.

What Comes Next?

If D’Amaro’s debut on Netflix was a strategic step to portray himself as more than just a Parks executive, it appears his strategy is effective. He’s now the individual most often mentioned by industry insiders, including trade publications like THR. Every public event, every business transaction, and every casual greeting is being closely examined for signs of future leadership.

Despite everything, there are lingering queries. Is it possible for Josh D’Amaro to gain the trust of the same creative community that previously rejected Chapek as Disney CEO? Can he effectively communicate his understanding of both cruise ships and movie production schedules to investors and Hollywood? Will Bob Iger relinquish control and allow him to lead the company? And lastly, can Disney risk placing another parks executive in charge after their previous attempt resulted in a public collapse?

According to Galloway, no one has all the knowledge. However, Disney’s board will soon be faced with determining who possesses sufficient knowledge.

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2025-06-05 16:56