Disney's Next CEO Lays Out Vision for the Future

Josh D'Amaro plans to embrace new technology, creators and markets as he takes over from Bob Iger.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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When Josh D'Amaro takes over as Disney's CEO in March, he plans to put his own stamp on the company by leaning into how consumers want to be entertained today and in the future. D'Amaro sees gaming, interactivity, and AI-generated content as key strategic priorities, looking to democratize the theme park experience through digital platforms. He also faces questions about the future of Disney's linear TV business as the industry undergoes major disruption.

Why it matters

As a new generation of leadership takes over at the top of the entertainment industry, D'Amaro will need to chart a course for Disney amid rapid technological change. His decisions around embracing new digital platforms, leveraging AI, and the role of linear TV will have major implications for the company's future.

The details

D'Amaro, who was named Disney's next CEO, has indicated he will continue the company's willingness to embrace new technology and take risks. He was the driving force behind Disney's $1 billion investment in Epic Games, creating an interactive universe for fans to explore Disney IP. D'Amaro also plans to push Disney's partnership with OpenAI to allow fans to create videos with beloved Disney characters using AI. However, the future of Disney's linear TV business remains uncertain, with Wall Street analysts wondering whether the company should spin off or sell its portfolio of cable and broadcast networks.

  • D'Amaro will officially take over as Disney CEO in March 2026.
  • In the summer of 2023, former Disney CEO Bob Iger said the company's linear TV business may 'not be core' to the company.

The players

Josh D'Amaro

The incoming CEO of The Walt Disney Company, who plans to continue the company's willingness to embrace new technology and take risks.

Bob Iger

The current CEO of The Walt Disney Company, who is set to be replaced by D'Amaro in March 2026.

Dana Walden

The recently promoted president and chief creative officer of The Walt Disney Company, who will play a key role in rallying the company's creative forces under D'Amaro's leadership.

Tim Sweeney

The CEO of Epic Games, which has partnered with Disney on creating an interactive universe for fans to explore Disney IP.

Kevin Mayer

The former head of strategy at Disney who now co-leads Candle Media, and who believes D'Amaro sees digital platforms as a way to democratize the theme park experience.

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What they’re saying

“We are 100 years old, but we're 100 years young as well, willing to embrace new technology, new creators and new markets. That willingness to change and take risks is what keeps the brand going, and it's something I intend to continue to push on.”

— Josh D'Amaro (Disney Town Hall)

“Josh and Disney really get it and have a crisp understanding of how the future of their film and TV IP, Disney+ and games fit together into a digital ecosystem and tie into parks and other things.”

— Tim Sweeney, CEO, Epic Games (The Hollywood Reporter)

“If you're not deep into it, and you're not anticipatory of how trends are changing, what's interesting to people, you're going to be almost definitionally behind.”

— Rick Rieder, Chief Investment Officer of Global Fixed Income, BlackRock (The Hollywood Reporter)

What’s next

Disney will need to determine the future structure of its linear TV business, including whether to spin off or sell its portfolio of cable and broadcast networks, as the industry continues to undergo major disruption.

The takeaway

As a new generation of leadership takes over at the top of the entertainment industry, Disney's incoming CEO Josh D'Amaro plans to embrace new technology, creators and markets to position the company for the future. His focus on gaming, interactivity and AI-generated content signals a willingness to take risks and adapt to rapidly changing consumer preferences.