New Disney CEO Josh D'Amaro Priorities Include Creativity, One Disney
Disney CEO Josh D'Amaro
Disney
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New Walt Disney Co. CEO Josh D’Amaro sent his first note in the role to staff Wednesday, outlining his priorities and thinking as he succeeds Bob Iger atop the company.
The executive will formally introduce himself to shareholders at Disney’s annual meeting later today, but in his note he gave something of a preview of how he thinks about the company, with a clear nod to Walt Disney’s famous 1957 strategy chart, which framed the company’s business lines circling its creatine studio.
To that end, D’Amaro reaffirmed that “storytelling and creative excellence will remain our North Star,” the focal point of a company that literally changed the entire entertainment and storytelling business. When Iger returned to the company in 2022, rejuvenating the company’s studios was his top priority. Now D’Amaro needs to keep them humming.
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And he emphasized the role new technologies will play, echoing comments made by Iger over the years. D’Amaro has noted how Walt Disney himself was always quick to embrace new technologies.
“Used thoughtfully, it can empower our storytellers, strengthen our capabilities, and help us create more immersive, interactive, and personal ways for people to experience Disney,” D’Amaro wrote.
Sources close to D’Amaro have indicated that technology-fueled interactivity is likely to be a priority for him in his new role.
And finally, he framed his approach as “One Disney,” in which all the different parts work together, while acknowledging the legacy Iger leaves, and the current moment in media.
“This transition comes at a moment when the world is changing faster than ever,” D’Amaro wrote. “While that can feel daunting at times, it is also exciting. Disney has endured and thrived for generations by meeting change with vision, ambition, integrity, and optimism. Bob Iger has led this company in that spirit, and I am grateful for his trust, mentorship, and friendship through the years.”
Read D’Amaro’s note below.
Dear Fellow Employees and Cast Members,
More than 40 years ago, my family took me to Disneyland for the first time. One of the first attractions we rode was Peter Pan’s Flight, inspired by the animated film so many families already knew and loved. I can still picture my father’s face when our pirate ship lifted into the dark. As we flew over London, he leaned in and said, “See, I told you. It feels like we’re flying!” I remember that moment clearly. It was joy. It was family. And it was Disney.
I have thought about that moment many times because it captures something essential about this company. At its best, Disney creates stories, characters, and experiences that people connect with deeply and carry with them for a lifetime. That takes exceptional creativity, craftsmanship, and thousands of people united by a shared commitment to excellence.
As I step into the CEO role today, I am humbled and honored to help write the next chapter of this company alongside this team.
The magic of Disney comes to life in many ways — through our films and series, ESPN and sports, our music and stage shows, our streaming platforms and consumer products, and our theme parks, hotels, and cruise ships. Each strengthens the others, extending Disney’s reach in ways no one else can match.
That puts Disney in a category of one. It was clear to me when I started here 28 years ago, and it is even clearer today. No one else can do what we do with the same combination of creativity, quality, and global scale. We reach people in more places than ever before, and every minute of every day, someone somewhere in the world is engaging with Disney.
We stand on an extraordinary foundation, and the priorities that will guide us forward are clear.
First, great storytelling and creative excellence will remain our North Star. They underpin every decision we make. We will continue to raise the bar, take smart risks, learn quickly, and deliver work that exceeds our audiences’ expectations and our own.
Second, we will embrace technology to unlock new possibilities. Innovation has always been part of Disney’s DNA. Used thoughtfully, it can empower our storytellers, strengthen our capabilities, and help us create more immersive, interactive, and personal ways for people to experience Disney.
Third, we will operate as One Disney. Our greatest advantage is not any one business,