Disney's Choice is 'The King of Theme Parks'... Josh D'Amaro Named Successor to Bob Iger

The much-discussed 'Game of Thrones at Disney' has finally come to an end. Josh D'Amaro, the 'royal blood' who has led the theme park business, has been officially confirmed as the 8th CEO of Disney, succeeding Bob Iger.

On the 4th (Korean time), The Walt Disney Company announced on the 3rd that Josh D'Amaro, the current Chairman of Disney Experiences, has been appointed as the next CEO. He will officially take the helm at the annual shareholders' meeting scheduled for March 18.

◆ The Era of 'Prepared Leader' D'Amaro

Having joined in 1998 and spent 28 years at Disney, D'Amaro has been regarded as Bob Iger's most trusted figure. Especially during the unprecedented crisis of the COVID-19 pandemic, when theme parks around the world were closed, he proved his management ability by leading the organization stably. Current CEO Bob Iger praised, "D'Amaro is an exceptional leader who instinctively understands the Disney brand and is the right person to realize the most ambitious projects."

◆ Dana Walden Becomes 'Queen of Creation'

With this succession, Disney also carried out a dramatic organizational restructuring. Dana Walden, who has led Disney Entertainment, has been appointed to the newly created position of 'President & Chief Creative Officer'. This establishes a strong 'two-top system' where D'Amaro oversees overall management and Walden is in charge of storytelling and content. Walden will report directly to D'Amaro.

Meanwhile, Bob Iger, who saved Disney from crisis and returned, will remain a board member and senior advisor until his contract expires on December 31 of this year, after stepping down as CEO in March, to assist with the succession process.