Bob Iger is finally stepping aside, and Disney just chose the money machine over Hollywood glamour. The company named Josh D'Amaro, the 55-year-old chairman of Disney Experiences (formerly Parks), as its next CEO.
This isn't a surprise pick. It's a strategic statement.
D'Amaro has run Disney's most profitable division for years. Parks and Experiences generated $34.2 billion in revenue last year, with operating margins that make the streaming business look like a charity project. While Disney+ was bleeding billions trying to compete with Netflix, D'Amaro's division was printing cash.
He joined Disney in 1998 and spent 27 years climbing through the Parks organization before taking the top Experiences job in 2020. During his tenure, Disney opened Shanghai Disneyland, expanded Hong Kong Disneyland, and navigated the pandemic shutdown and reopening without permanently damaging the brand.
The succession choice sends a clear message to investors: Disney is doubling down on physical experiences and proven revenue models rather than chasing the next streaming war. D'Amaro's background is in operations and customer experience, not content creation or media strategy.
Dana Walden, previously Disney's TV chief, was named president and chief creative officer, suggesting she'll handle the content side while D'Amaro focuses on the business engine.
What does this mean for streaming? Don't expect Disney+ to suddenly become the company's top priority. D'Amaro's track record suggests he'll run it like a business, not a market-share land grab. That could mean price increases, tighter content budgets, and more bundling with park tickets and experiences.
The market will be watching D'Amaro's first 100 days closely. He inherits a company trading at reasonable multiples but facing questions about cable decline, streaming profitability, and whether the parks can maintain premium pricing during an economic slowdown. The numbers don't lie, but Josh D'Amaro has consistently delivered them.
