Josh D’Amaro seen as front‑runner to succeed Bob Iger at Disney

Josh D’Amaro is widely considered a front‑runner to be Disney’s next chief executive, and Disney’s board is expected to choose Bob Iger’s successor “in the next week,” according to two people with knowledge of the plans, The New York Times reported on Jan. 30, 2026. Mr. D’Amaro runs Disney Experiences — the unit that includes theme parks, cruises and video games — and his division supplied roughly 60 percent of Disney’s profit last year and, the article says, accounts for about 80 percent of the company’s value according to research firm MoffettNathanson.

He joined Disney in 1998 and oversees three of the company’s four most important growth areas: parks, cruises and games. The succession has narrowed to two candidates: Dana Walden, who oversees Disney television (except ESPN) and has joint oversight of streaming, and Mr. D’Amaro. The Times says the selection process has been rigorous, with Mr.

Iger soliciting feedback from executives who report to the two candidates. Wells Fargo analyst Steven Cahall called Mr. D’Amaro “the front‑runner and investor favorite” in a recent report. The article highlights strengths and gaps in Mr. D’Amaro’s résumé. He has led major international projects, managed Disney’s relationships in China, pushed technological projects like an internal A.I.

design tool called Jarvis and robotics for attractions, and helped drive a Fortnite‑connected Disney universe with Epic Games.

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