Josh D'Amaro, recently appointed CEO of The Walt Disney Company, embodies a unique blend of creative passion and shrewd business strategy, positioning him to lead the global entertainment powerhouse into its next era. His nearly three-decade tenure at Disney, culminating in his role as president of Disneyland in 2018, demonstrates a deep understanding of the company's ethos and its profound connection with audiences worldwide. D'Amaro's leadership is characterized by a commitment to fostering imaginative storytelling and leveraging cutting-edge technology to enhance the fan experience, distinguishing his approach from previous administrations. His promotion signals a renewed focus on the core values that have defined Disney for generations, while embracing new frontiers in digital entertainment and interactive experiences.
A pivotal moment in D'Amaro's career, reflecting his dedication to Disney's legacy, occurred in February 2018 when he assumed the presidency of Disneyland. Continuing a long-standing tradition, he joined his predecessor, Michael Colglazier, in Walt Disney's private apartment above the Main Street, USA firehouse. There, they shared a meal of grilled cheese and chili cooked on Walt's original hot plate, a symbolic passing of the torch. This intimate ritual underscored the profound responsibility D'Amaro felt in upholding the magic and wonder that Disneyland, and by extension Disney, represents to millions. Speaking at the Inbound marketing conference in Boston in September 2024, D'Amaro recounted this experience, acknowledging the immense pressure of living up to the fervent expectations of Disney's passionate fanbase.
Now, as CEO, D'Amaro's responsibilities extend far beyond the theme parks. He is tasked with nurturing Disney's global fandom across its vast ecosystem, encompassing theme parks, cruise lines, movie studios, streaming services like Disney+ and ESPN, and even new ventures in interactive gaming platforms such as Fortnite and advanced AI initiatives like OpenAI's Sora. Those who have collaborated with D'Amaro describe him as a leader possessing exceptional emotional intelligence and a profound appreciation for creative endeavors, akin to former CEO Bob Iger. Kevin Mayer, co-CEO of Candle Media and a former Disney colleague, praises D'Amaro's strategic prowess and quantitative approach, emphasizing his ability to manage complex financial figures while remaining deeply committed to the Disney brand. Childhood friend Kevin Foley, global head of capital markets at JPMorgan, recalls D'Amaro's inherent creative flair and his natural ability to both collaborate and lead, drawing people towards him.
D'Amaro's background as a financial analyst at Gillette, following his graduation from Georgetown University, provided a strong foundation for his business acumen. He joined Disneyland in a strategic capacity in 1998, steadily advancing through various leadership roles at Disneyland, Hong Kong Disneyland, and Walt Disney World. In May 2020, he took charge of Disney's experiences division. His ascent to CEO, however, comes in the wake of the company's recent leadership transitions, particularly the challenges faced by his predecessor, Bob Chapek. Unlike Chapek, who, according to sources, inadvertently alienated creative teams by prioritizing business structures over artistic output, D'Amaro is celebrated for his genuine enthusiasm for the creative process and his strong relationships with key figures across Disney's intellectual properties, from Star Wars and Marvel to animation and Pixar. He actively engages with creative leaders like Dave Filoni (Lucasfilm), Kevin Feige (Marvel), Jared Bush (Disney Animation), and Pete Docter (Pixar), participating in discussions that bridge the gap between storytelling and real-world experiences, such as translating film narratives into theme park attractions and consumer products.
D'Amaro's vision for Disney is deeply rooted in its history, drawing inspiration from Walt Disney's pioneering spirit. He frequently references Walt's iconic 1957 strategy chart, which placed storytelling and content at its core, surrounded by diverse businesses like music, television, Disneyland, books, and consumer products. This historical perspective informs D'Amaro's belief in meeting consumers wherever they are, leveraging technology to expand Disney's reach and impact. He championed the partnership with Epic Games, envisioning a new interactive universe within Fortnite, and actively promotes the integration of cutting-edge technology, such as the BDX droids developed by Disney's Imagineering team. These expressive robots, originally designed for theme parks like Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge, are now set to appear in "The Mandalorian and Grogu," demonstrating D'Amaro's commitment to seamlessly integrating innovation across Disney's vast entertainment portfolio. His dedication to understanding and responding to the desires of Disney fans, evident in his frequent interactions with park visitors and his engagement at fan events like D23, underscores his customer-centric approach, which is crucial in today's rapidly evolving entertainment landscape.
In essence, D'Amaro's leadership is poised to revitalize Disney by harmonizing its rich creative legacy with forward-thinking technological advancements and a deep appreciation for its global fanbase. His ability to balance the demands of business with the nurturing of artistic talent positions him as a transformative leader for the company's future, ensuring that the magic of Disney continues to evolve and resonate with new generations.