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Disney Parks Chairman Josh D'Amaro Steps Down

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Tuesday, February 3rd 2026 at 12:04 GMT by Quartz
      Locales: UNITED STATES, FRANCE

LAKE BUENA VISTA, FL - February 3rd, 2026 - A seismic shift is occurring within The Walt Disney Company's Parks, Experiences and Products division. Josh D'Amaro, the Chairman who steered the division through unprecedented challenges and ambitious expansion, has stepped down, effective immediately. The announcement, made this Tuesday, signals a potential turning point for the future direction of Disney's globally renowned theme parks and resorts.

Christine McCarthy, currently serving as Disney's Chief Communications Officer, has been named interim chairman. This unexpected appointment, following McCarthy's recent promotion, indicates Disney is actively evaluating its leadership structure during a period of intense scrutiny and strategic readjustment.

D'Amaro's leadership was fundamentally shaped by the COVID-19 pandemic. He inherited a massive undertaking: resurrecting a business that relies heavily on physical attendance after months of closures and severely restricted operations. His team implemented new health and safety protocols, managed reduced capacity, and navigated complex logistical hurdles to reopen parks worldwide. While initially met with some guest frustration surrounding reservation systems and modified experiences, the parks ultimately rebounded, becoming a crucial revenue driver for the company.

Beyond navigating the pandemic's immediate fallout, D'Amaro championed substantial investment in park infrastructure and guest experiences. The expansion of Disney Springs, transforming it into a vibrant dining and entertainment district, stands as a prominent example. Further projects focused on immersive theming and technological integration were launched across various parks, aimed at enhancing the visitor experience and justifying rising ticket prices. These investments, however, haven't been without their critics. Many guests have voiced concerns about increasing costs - not only for admission but also for food, merchandise, and other in-park expenses - and a perceived decline in the overall quality of service.

The timing of D'Amaro's departure coincides with a broader wave of cost-cutting measures across The Walt Disney Company. CEO Bob Iger, who returned to the helm in late 2022, has spearheaded a company-wide initiative to streamline operations and reduce expenses, resulting in layoffs and subscription price increases for Disney's streaming services. This context suggests that D'Amaro's exit may be linked to a desire for a leadership change aligned with Iger's financial goals.

Industry analysts speculate that Disney is seeking a leader who can balance maintaining the magical atmosphere of the parks with the need for increased profitability. The challenge is significant: how to justify continually rising prices to consumers while simultaneously delivering an exceptional, unforgettable experience. The pressure to innovate and differentiate Disney parks from competing entertainment venues is immense.

McCarthy's role as interim chairman will be critical. She's known as a skilled communicator, and her immediate task will be to maintain stability and assess the long-term needs of the Parks division. It's widely anticipated that Disney will conduct a thorough search for a permanent replacement, potentially looking for someone with a strong operational background and a proven track record of managing large-scale projects. Internal candidates are expected to be considered, alongside external possibilities with experience in the hospitality and entertainment industries.

The future of Disney Parks hinges on striking the right balance between financial performance, guest satisfaction, and continued innovation. The coming months will be pivotal as Disney navigates these complex challenges and defines the next chapter of the "Most Magical Place on Earth". The choice of D'Amaro's successor will be closely watched by industry experts and Disney enthusiasts alike, as they seek clues as to the company's future vision for its theme park empire. Will the focus remain on aggressive expansion and technological advancements, or will there be a shift towards more value-driven experiences and a renewed emphasis on classic Disney storytelling?