Walt Disney Co. announced that Josh D’Amaro will be the entertainment group’s new CEO, succeeding Bob Iger and ending a three-year search for a successor to the executive who led the company for more than a decade.
D’Amaro, who has worked at Disney for 28 years, will take on the role on March 18, the company said in a statement released this Tuesday (3). He currently heads the Disney Experiences division, responsible for theme parks, cruises and licensed products — today the group’s main source of profit.
At 54 years old, D’Amaro was chosen among other internal candidates considered for succession, such as Dana Walden, co-president of entertainment and head of the TV area; Alan Bergman, also co-president of entertainment and head of cinema; and Jimmy Pitaro, president of ESPN.
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As part of the leadership redesign, Walden was named to the new role of president and chief creative officer at Disney and will report directly to D’Amaro, who was also appointed to join the company’s board of directors.
Disney reported that Bob Iger actively participated in the process of preparing successors, in an attempt by the board to avoid problems in the transition — after unsuccessful experiences in the past. Iger will remain on the board and serve as a senior advisor until his final retirement on December 31.
“Josh D’Amaro brings together a rare combination of inspiring leadership and innovation, a strategic eye for growth opportunities and a deep passion for the Disney brand and its people,” said James Gorman, Disney chairman. “These qualities make him the right choice to lead Disney as its next CEO.”
A Bloomberg It had previously reported that the board was close to announcing D’Amaro as Iger’s successor.
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