Hours before Josh D’Amaro was named Disney’s new CEO—and successor to the famed Bob Iger—questions were already being raised about his plans to transform the company and, interestingly enough, how the new role might change his personal life.
D’Amaro, a Massachusetts native who will turn 55 later this month, was announced as the new CEO of the entertainment company on Feb. 3, with Iger, 74, describing him as an “exceptional leader” who will pioneer some of Disney’s “most ambitious projects.”
“Josh D’Amaro is an exceptional leader and the right person to become our next CEO,” Iger said in a statement, according to the Los Angeles Times.
“He has an instinctive appreciation of the Disney brand, and a deep understanding of what resonates with our audiences, paired with the rigor and attention to detail required to deliver some of our most ambitious projects.”
According to The Hollywood Reporter, D’Amaro is set to receive a staggering $38 million compensation package, which includes a $2.5 million base annual salary and a $9.75 million one-time payment when he ascends to the role on March 18.
The announcement of D’Amaro as the new CEO had become something of a foregone conclusion in recent days, with the New York Times publishing a piece on Jan. 30 that asked: “Can This Man Break Disney’s Succession Curse?”
In the feature, many questions were raised about D’Amaro’s ability to overcome the many challenges that he faces, including potential resistance from Iger, whose previous successor, Bob Chapek, only remained in the role of CEO for two years before he was ousted and his predecessor returned to replace him.
But another large question looming over D’Amaro is whether he has the profile required to helm the entertainment giant, with the Times pointing out that he is relatively unknown in Hollywood circles, particularly in the movie and TV business.
“For someone who could be on the cusp of taking over the world’s largest entertainment conglomerate, Mr. D’Amaro has a strikingly low profile in Hollywood,” the outlet stated, calling attention to the fact that D’Amaro’s biggest profile is among Disney fanatics, who treat him like a celebrity any time they spot him wandering around the parks.
The incoming Disney CEO has devoted much of his life to the company, having joined its ranks in 1998, taking on numerous roles—both domestic and international—in the years since.
Most recently, D’Amaro served as chairman of Disney experiences, overseeing some of the most lucrative business arms of the company, including cruises and parks.
He is most regularly seen by Disney fans in and around the Disneyland Resort in California, where he worked as president for around 18 months from 2018.
That same year, D’Amaro and his wife, Susan, who was his high school sweetheart, purchased a home close to the park—a sprawling Mediterranean-style mansion in Trabuco Canyon that they picked up for $2.85 million. According to Realtor.com® estimates, it is now worth closer to $4 million.
The four-bedroom, 3.5-bathroom property sits on a luxurious cul de sac, one of several massive mansions that dot the tree-lined street.
In its listing, the dwelling was described as offering “the perfect living experience,” complete with an enormous primary suite that boasts its own private massage suite, as well as a huge walk-in closet and a spa-inspired bathroom.
“This home luxuriously accommodates even the most discerning clients,” the description concluded.
Perhaps more appealing to D’Amaro was the home’s proximity to Disneyland—which is located in Anaheim, about 40 minutes’ drive from the new CEO’s home.
D’Amaro and his wife are understood to have used this dwelling as their primary residence for the past eight years—during which time they have, largely, shied away from the spotlight, at least as far as the glitz and glamour of Hollywood is concerned.
However, that anonymity may no longer be possible thanks to D’Amaro’s new position.
Having already proven his ability to mastermind some of Disney’s most lucrative assets, growing his department’s revenue by nearly 40% since taking over in 2020, increasing that figure from $26.2 billion in fiscal 2019 to $36.2 billion in fiscal 2025, according to CNBC.
Iger noted during a Feb. 2 earnings call that much has been done to change Disney’s flagging fortunes in recent years—but he also made very clear that much more needs to be done.
“We have done a lot of fixing, but we’ve also put in place a number of opportunities … to essentially expand at every location that we do business and on the high seas,” he said.
D’Amaro is the man who will be tasked with bringing the next stage of the Disney legacy to life—and will no doubt have the world’s eyes on him as he does.
When choosing Iger’s successor, Disney’s board was unanimous in its decision to promote D’Amaro, according to chairman James Gorman, who said that they have every faith in his ability to propel the company forward.
“Throughout this search process, Josh has demonstrated a strong vision for the company’s future and a deep understanding of the creative spirit that makes Disney unique in an ever-changing marketplace,” Gorman said. “The Board believes he is exceptionally well prepared to guide this global company forward to serve our consumers around the world and create long-term value for shareholders.”
