Key Highlights
- Josh D’Amaro named new chief executive of Walt Disney
- D’Amaro to replace Bob Iger in March 2024
- Parks business has delivered most reliable profits recently
- Disney faces political pressure and shareholder concerns
The New Chief: D’Amaro’s Promising Path
D’Amaro joins from the Disney Experiences division, overseeing 185,000 employees.
He will start March 18th. A 28-year veteran of Walt Disney, he is taking over at a crucial time for the company.
The Business Behind the Change
Disney’s parks and cruises have been its most profitable segment in recent years. But content remains the heart of the business. Analyst Paolo Pescatore warns: “Disney can ill afford another messy handover.”
D’Amaro will inherit a company under pressure from political attacks and disappointed investors.
Competing Interests
Dana Walden, known for her friendship with VP Kamala Harris, is named chief creative officer. She was seen as D’Amaro’s rival for the top spot.
The new structure aims to balance financial skills and creative touch, but history shows how tricky this can be.
Disney’s Struggle: Content vs. Parks
While parks have delivered steady profits, content has seen ballooning costs. Former CEO Bob Iger aimed to tackle these issues with restructuring efforts.
Recent events like the Jimmy Kimmel suspension show Disney is not immune to political firestorms.
The Middle East and Beyond
Disney plans a theme park in the Middle East, expanding its global footprint. This move underscores D’Amaro’s challenge of leading both domestic and international operations.
He must navigate diverse markets while maintaining consistency with Disney’s brand identity.
Will he succeed where others failed? Only time will tell. The writing is on the wall for this new chapter at Walt Disney.
