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Josh D'Amaro Poised to Become Disney Parks Chairman

  //food-wine.news-articles.net/content/2026/03/17 .. maro-poised-to-become-disney-parks-chairman.html
  Published in Food and Wine on Tuesday, March 17th 2026 at 0:33 GMT by Press-Telegram
      Locales: California, Florida, UNITED STATES

Anaheim, CA - March 17th, 2026 - After months of speculation and a thorough internal evaluation, Josh D'Amaro, currently the President of the Disneyland Resort, is widely expected to be named the next Chairman of Disney Parks, Experiences and Products. Sources confirm to this publication that D'Amaro is the leading, and virtually confirmed, candidate to take the reins following the departure of Bob Chapek in late 2023 and the subsequent restructuring led by CEO Bob Iger.

The anticipated announcement, pending final internal approvals which are considered a formality at this stage, marks a significant shift in leadership for Disney's lucrative Parks division. This division encompasses not only the iconic theme parks in Orlando, Anaheim, Tokyo, Paris, Hong Kong, and Shanghai, but also the Disney Cruise Line, Disney Vacation Club, Adventures by Disney, and the vast global merchandise operations.

This succession comes at a critical juncture for The Walt Disney Company. While Disney remains a dominant force in entertainment, the Parks, Experiences and Products division has faced increased pressure in recent years. The post-pandemic recovery demanded navigating new health and safety protocols, staffing challenges, and shifting consumer expectations. Simultaneously, the division has been dealing with rising operating costs and increasing competition from other entertainment destinations.

Bob Iger's return to the CEO role in late 2023 was largely driven by concerns over the company's overall performance, including a perceived underperformance within the Parks division. Iger immediately initiated a comprehensive review of the Parks leadership and strategy, seeking an executive capable of revitalizing the guest experience, improving operational efficiency, and driving long-term financial growth.

D'Amaro's successful leadership at Disneyland Resort has positioned him as the ideal candidate. He skillfully navigated the unprecedented challenges of reopening the parks following the COVID-19 lockdowns. This involved implementing stringent health measures while simultaneously ensuring a magical experience for guests. His approach prioritized guest safety and satisfaction, a delicate balance that proved crucial in regaining public trust and rebuilding attendance.

Beyond the pandemic response, D'Amaro has overseen substantial investments in Disneyland, including the ongoing transformation of Tomorrowland and the continued expansion of Avengers Campus. He championed innovative technologies, such as the Genie+ and Lightning Lane systems, despite initial guest frustrations, recognizing their potential to optimize park capacity and enhance the overall experience. These systems, while controversial, have become increasingly refined under his watch, demonstrably improving wait times for many guests.

Industry analysts suggest that D'Amaro's strength lies not just in operational expertise but also in his deep understanding of Disney's storytelling heritage. He consistently emphasizes the importance of maintaining the immersive quality and emotional connection that define the Disney brand. This focus is expected to be central to his approach as head of all Parks, Experiences, and Products.

The scope of D'Amaro's new role will be immense. He will be responsible for a global team of over 150,000 Cast Members and a multi-billion dollar portfolio of assets. Experts anticipate that he will likely prioritize streamlining operations across all parks, focusing on data-driven decision-making, and investing in technologies that enhance the guest experience. Further expansion into new markets, particularly in Asia, is also expected to be a key element of his strategy.

The announcement is anticipated to be made later this week, potentially coinciding with the annual shareholder meeting. Disney shares experienced a modest bump in after-hours trading following reports of the impending leadership change, indicating investor confidence in D'Amaro's ability to steer the Parks division towards continued success. The industry will be closely watching to see how D'Amaro's vision will shape the future of Disney's iconic parks and experiences in the years to come.