Disney’s Pick for New CEO Shows Rising Power of Parks and Experiences

Key Points

• Disney appointed Josh D’Amaro, head of Parks and Experiences, as CEO, highlighting the division's growing influence.
• Disney plans to invest $60 billion over the next decade in parks, experiences, and products, including expanding its cruise fleet and opening new parks like Disneyland Abu Dhabi.
• The Parks and Experiences division now generates a majority of Disney’s revenue and profit, even as international visitation to U.S. parks declines.

Summary

Disney has named Josh D’Amaro, the head of its Parks and Experiences division, as the new CEO in a move that underscores the growing importance of this segment to the company’s strategy and financial health. D’Amaro, a longtime Disney executive, takes over as the company continues massive investments in its parks and cruise lines, with $60 billion planned over the next decade and major new projects such as Disneyland Abu Dhabi. The Parks and Experiences division now accounts for the bulk of Disney’s revenue and operating profit, although the company faces challenges like declining international visitors to its U.S. parks.