Eight months after taking over as president of Walt Disney World, Josh D’Amaro has been elevated to run the company’s Parks, Experiences and Products division, overseeing all of Disney’s theme parks worldwide.
That role had been available since its previous chairman, Bob Chapek, was named Disney’s new CEO earlier this year.
“Josh is an exceptionally talented, enthusiastic and innovative leader, consistently delivering strong results while demonstrating his unwavering commitment and care for our cast members, and a genuine appreciation for the importance of the Disney difference to our guests,” Chapek said in a statement. “I am certain he will take Disney’s Parks, Experiences and Products segment – home to some of our company’s most iconic and beloved businesses – to exciting new heights in the years to come.”
D’Amaro has been with the Walt Disney Company since 1998, first working at the Disneyland Resort. He later held several titles at Disney World, including vice president of commercial strategy, leader of Resorts & Transportation Operations and vice president of Animal Kingdom. He transitioned to president of Disneyland Resort in March 2018, overseeing the opening of the West Coast version of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.
In typical Disney fashion, D’Amaro’s resume includes experience outside the theme park division, working in the global licensing division of Disney Consumer Products.
“I want to thank Bob for giving me this opportunity and I look forward to following his record of driving innovation, value and growth as we deliver unforgettable experiences for our guests,” D’Amaro said in a statement. “It is an incredible honor to lead our team of talented and dedicated cast members around the globe, who go above-and-beyond every single day. Even during this challenging time, their enthusiasm for what we do is unwavering, and my goal is to bring our cast members back to work as soon as possible so they can continue to create that magic.”
Taking over the role as president of Walt Disney World will be Jeff Vahle. He previously ran Disney Signature Experiences, which includes Disney Cruise Line, Adventures by Disney, and the Disney Aulani Resort & Spa in Hawaii.
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