Above: Josh D'Amaro, the upcoming CEO and ex-President of the Walt Disney World Resort Disney Parks in 2020. Photo by elisfkc2 on Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 2.0)
The pioneers of animated storytelling, with annual revenue reaching $94.4 billion, are undergoing a significant change. After serving for over two decades, Bob Iger will step down as CEO, paving the way for Josh D'Amaro to take over as the new CEO of the billion-dollar brand. D'Amaro will officially become Disney's new CEO on March 18, 2026.
This move is not surprising, given D'Amaro's operational expertise and 25+ years of loyalty to the company. He joined in 1998 and has worked at the Walt Disney Company across finance, business strategy, marketing, creative development, and operations. He has been the chairperson of Disney Experiences since May 2020, and as a CEO, his scope of work will get broader across the global business, spanning theme parks, films, and streaming services.
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Why Bob Iger Is Leaving
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If you have been following Disney's business news for a while, you must have heard of Bob Iger at some point. The towering business professional first became CEO in 2005. He was in the lead when they acquired Pixar, Marvel, Lucasfilm, and 21st Century Fox. He was also known for his pivotal role in launching Disney+ and transforming Disney's digital footprint.
However, every good thing comes to an end. Iger briefly retired from the CEO position in 2020, but was reinstated in 2022 to stabilize the company during a turbulent leadership period. At 74, he plans to step aside from day-to-day leadership again, handing over the CEO role to D'Amaro while remaining on Disney's board as a senior advisor until he fully retires by the end of 2026.
After a respectable career and immense contribution, it is time for Iger to rest a bit, and making D'Amaro the CEO is the wisest and most stable move to ease this transition. Besides, D'Amaro's contribution to driving growth in Disney's most significant revenue segment makes him an ideal successor to Bob Iger.
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How Much Will Josh D'Amaro Get Paid?
Let's talk about business. Will D'Amaro get paid an enormous amount? The answer is subjective. The new role has a complex salary structure. D'Amaro will receive $2.5 million per year and is eligible for an annual performance bonus of up to 250% of his base salary, which could add roughly $6.25 million per year if performance goals are met.
Now, as a CEO, he will receive a one-time long-term incentive award valued at about $9.7 million and annual stock-based incentives totaling about $26.25 million, both subject to performance and market conditions. It means his total pay can reach approximately $44.7 million in a full year. However, compared to Bob Iger, it would be slightly smaller, as Disney was paying him $45.8 million a year in 2025. D'Amaro's package may look smaller in the short run, but he still has a long career, which means better long-term incentives tied to Disney's success.
Josh D'Amaro journey of excellence
Josh D'Amaro is a Georgetown alumnus of 1993. D'Amaro started in Finance and Operations roles at the Walt Disney Company in 1998. He gradually became a vital part of the organization and held various pivotal leadership positions, including President of Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort. Post pandemic in 2020, he was announced as the Chairman of Disney Experiences, overseeing theme parks, cruise lines, consumer products, and other attractions.
Disney experiences are far and away the company's largest segment by revenue, with $36.2 billion in annual sales and a vast global workforce. According to People Magazine, he was the point of difference in guiding Disney through major expansions, such as new attractions and partnerships, earning him respect from Disney cast members and fans. Although his journey is rooted in operational excellence rather than in film or television, D'Amaro's leadership prioritizes the guest experience and company culture, which can be a strong driver of the brand's long-term success.
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What to Learn from D'Amaro's Career?
D'Amaro has been with the same company for over 2.5 decades. He would have made more money if he had switched organizations to advance his career. Still, his resilience and loyalty to an organization that values him made him who he is today. It is his passion and deep company experience that helped him lead Disney at the highest level.
His path shows that CEOs don't need to be from a particular background. Whether you are a creative or an operational expert, if you have broad leadership skills like D'Amaro, you'll get through the most turbulent phases of your career smoothly. The goal of an employee in a big company should be to understand the full scope of ambitions and challenges.
He is versatile, focusing on people, partnerships, and innovation, and that made all the difference. His appointment as Disney's CEO marks a shift towards a leader who knows the company inside and out, or, we can say, he is a perfect blend of operational strength and brand passion.
