Disney to Lay Off Up to 1,000 Employees

New CEO Josh D'Amaro faces tough decisions as entertainment industry faces uncertainty

Apr. 10, 2026 at 7:11pm

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A high-end, photorealistic studio still-life photograph featuring a stack of neatly organized office supplies, including a pen, a notepad, and a pair of scissors, all arranged on a clean, monochromatic seamless background. The objects are made from polished raw materials and clean geometric shapes, using sharp, dramatic studio lighting and deep shadows to represent the abstract corporate strategy and finance challenges faced by Disney.As the entertainment industry faces economic uncertainty, Disney's strategic layoffs of up to 1,000 employees signal a shift in the company's marketing and operational priorities.Anaheim Today

Disney, the iconic entertainment company, is planning to lay off up to 1,000 employees, primarily from its marketing department. This move comes as the industry faces economic challenges, including rising oil prices and the ongoing war with Iran. The layoffs are part of a broader trend in the entertainment sector, with Sony Pictures Entertainment also confirming plans to cut hundreds of positions.

Why it matters

Disney's layoffs raise questions about the future of marketing and its role in maintaining the company's strong brand presence and engaging with its global audience. The decisions made by the new CEO, Josh D'Amaro, will shape Disney's ability to adapt to the changing entertainment landscape.

The details

Disney's layoff plan, as reported by The Wall Street Journal, is a response to the current global situation. The majority of the expected layoffs are said to be from Disney's marketing department, which is a significant area of focus for any media company. This move comes just a few weeks after Josh D'Amaro took over as the new CEO, replacing the outgoing Bob Iger.

  • Disney announced the layoff plan on April 10, 2026.
  • Josh D'Amaro became the new CEO of Disney on March 18, 2026.

The players

Josh D'Amaro

The newly appointed CEO of Disney, who took over the position on March 18, 2026. D'Amaro is a seasoned Disney veteran, having started his career at Disneyland in 1998 and holding various roles in business, marketing, and operations.

Bob Iger

The outgoing CEO of Disney, who was part of the unanimous decision by the board to promote Josh D'Amaro as the new CEO.

The Wall Street Journal

The media outlet that reported on Disney's layoff plan.

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