By Breaking Editor 
In a pivotal leadership shift, The Walt Disney Company announced on March 18, 2026, that Josh D’Amaro will succeed Bob Iger as its new CEO. D’Amaro, currently serving as Chairman of Disney’s parks division, has been tasked with steering the entertainment giant into its next chapter amid a rapidly evolving media landscape.
Under D’Amaro’s leadership, Disney aims to leverage its vast intellectual property, along with a marketing pitch around this content. For D’Amaro, the first was to slay the notion that the content of the company can be recreated cheaply with AI. The sentiment was countered with his recent statement declaring that artificial intelligence will not replace human creativity at the company. “The reason this company is so special is because of how creative we are, and the human beings that are generating that creativity,” he stated, signaling a commitment to maintaining Disney’s distinctive creative edge.
In conjunction with D’Amaro’s promotion, Dana Walden, presently serving as Co-Chairman of Disney Entertainment, will assume the role of President and Chief Creative Officer, marking a significant structural change for the company. This role for Walden is noteworthy as Disney has not seen a designated President separate from the CEO since the late 1990s, reflecting a potential shift towards a more collaborative management style.
Insights into D’Amaro’s strategic vision are anticipated as investors seek to understand how his leadership will influence Disney’s operations, especially in light of recent reports warning of decreased foreign visitors to U.S. theme parks, juxtaposed against a surge in streaming profits. With these dynamics at play, 2026 is poised to be a crucial year for Disney as it navigates these challenges and opportunities under new leadership.