Disney names theme park boss Josh D’Amaro to succeed chief exec Bob Iger

Disney has named the boss of its booming theme parks arm as its chief executive, ending years of succession uncertainty.

Josh D’Amaro, 54, will take over from Bob Iger, 74, next month, when the man credited with shaping the modern Disney through deals for Pixar, Marvel and 21st Century Fox finally steps down.

Iger will, however, stay on as a senior adviser and board member until his retirement at the end of the year.

But while D’Amaro has been at Disney for nearly three decades and is a familiar face at Walt Disney World in Florida, he is little-known in Hollywood.

This could pose a challenge as he confronts an entertainment industry that generative AI tools threaten to reshape by automating writing, editing and visual effects.

Disney will be hoping for a successful handover following recent boardroom missteps. 

Chosen one: Josh D’Amaro, pictured, will take over from Bob Iger, 74, next month, when the man credited with shaping the modern Disney finally steps down

Bob Chapek, who also ran the theme parks business, was picked to take over when Iger first stepped down in 2020.

However, Iger returned when Chapek was forced out less than three years later.

Disney chairman James Gorman said: ‘Josh has demonstrated a strong vision for the company’s future and a deep understanding of the creative spirit that makes Disney unique.’