Posted by Jennifer Asencio | Published
This week, to probably no one’s surprise, Josh D’Amaro was tapped to succeed Bob Iger as CEO of The Walt Disney Company. He was voted into office unanimously by the company’s Board of Directors and will begin on March 18, 2026.
Although entertainment is Disney’s core business, many people forget that most of the company is invested in theme parks, resorts, and cruise lines, as well as movies, television, and broadcasting. D’Amaro was previously head of Disney Experiences, the umbrella under which all of these Disney properties fall.
Since Bob Iger announced a few weeks ago that he is stepping down, D’Amaro is expected to be chosen to step into his shoes. This is despite criticism of decisions such as increasing park prices. The only thing that is really “news” about this part of the story is that it was announced so quickly. It was not expected to be decided until later this year.
The Real Boss Is Not D’Amaro
The real news on this subject is Dana Walden. He was seconded to this position after successfully managing first Fox Entertainment and later Disney Entertainment. Although he was not awarded a senior position, he was promoted to the position of President and Chief Creative Officer of The Walt Disney Company.
This means that he oversees Disney films, animations, and broadcast shows. He has been in charge of television, including ABC and ABC News, but now his role has expanded to include all of Disney’s output. He reports directly to D’Amaro.
One area of Disney that Walden will not have creative control over is Lucasfilm. Dave Filoni and Lynwen Brennan are responsible for all things Star Wars, with Disney solely handling the marketing and distribution of the film studio. The company also will not deviate from serving in the same capacity as Marvel Studios, with Kevin Feige continuing to serve as President there.
Disney’s New Entertainment Chief Is Deeply Involved in Politics
Walden has found herself caught up in political turmoil, with some blaming her for being passed over as Disney’s first female CEO.
He publicly supported Kamala Harris and appeared in photos with the presidential candidate. However, he was also the official who made the decision to pull Jimmy Kimmel after the late-night ABC host made conclusions about the Charlie Kirk shooter.
The move was criticized as bowing to FCC pressure and stifling free speech because of criticism of President Trump and his background. Kimmel was eventually reinstated through Walden’s efforts and negotiations with the FCC and has returned to television to speak freely about our fascist government.
Although Walden has had to navigate the likes of Jimmy Kimmel, it’s fitting that he wasn’t promoted to CEO of the entire company. His experience as Co-Chairman of Disney Entertainment is extensive, but it doesn’t quite match D’Amaro’s as the former Chairman of Disney Experiences, and he hasn’t been with the company as long as his 28 years. The promotion he received, however, is a consolation prize for his performance and sets him up to perhaps become D’Amaro’s successor if his tenure lasts as long as his predecessors.
Disney’s revolving CEO problem
The last two Disney executives, Bob Chapek and Bob Iger, served only three years each, as the company led to rising broadcasting prices, missing films, and other financial failures, such as the Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser hotel. Chapek was chosen by Iger to replace him in 2020, but he did such a poor job that Iger had to return in 2022.
D’Amaro is also a defender of Iger at a time when Disney desperately needs to change course. Hope he doesn’t turn into another Chapek and that Iger made a better choice this time. If not, we might come back in three years to break the news of Walden’s promotion to CEO.
