Inside Disney CEO Josh D’Amaro’s US$45m Pay Package

Josh D’Amaro’s first year as Disney CEO comes with a US$44.7m pay package, according to the company’s SEC filing.

His annual base salary will be US$3.5m, with a performance-based bonus targeted at 250% of that amount.

For each fiscal year he serves as CEO, Josh is eligible for a long-term stock incentive award valued at US$26.25m.

In addition, he will receive a one-time long-term award of US$9.705m in connection with his promotion from Chairman of Disney Experiences to CEO.

The filing notes that most of Josh’s compensation is contingent on performance metrics and will be rewarded over multiple years, aligning with Disney’s strategy to incentivise long-term growth.

“Long-term insensitive awards will be in the form as determined by the Committee and shall be subject to sustainability the same terms and conditions as those that apply to other executive officers of the Company,” the filing from 3 February states.

Severance and transition

Josh is eligible for Disney’s Executive Severance Pay Plan, which provides protections if his employment ends involuntarily without cause or if he resigns for “good reason”. 

For the CEO, this includes two-and-a-half times annual base salary, pro-rated and prior-year bonuses and 18 months of continued health benefits.

Bog Iger will step down as CEO on 18 March 2026, transitioning into a senior advisor role and remaining a member of Disney’s board through to 31 December.

This structure allows Josh to assume full operational control while benefiting from Bob’s initial guidance.

Who is the new CEO

Josh, 54, has been with Disney since 1998 and most recently served as Chairman of Disney Experiences, overseeing operations for the company’s 12 theme parks and 57 resorts worldwide.

He has held leadership roles in finance, business strategy, marketing, creative development and operations, including President of Walt Disney World Resort (2019-2020), President of Disneyland Resort (2018-2019) and Vice President of Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

Reflecting on his appointment, Josh said: “There is no limit to what Disney can achieve, and I am excited to work with our teams across the company and brilliant creative partners to honour Disney’s remarkable legacy while contributing to innovate, grow and deliver exceptional value for our consumers and shareholders.

“I also want to express my gratitude to Bob Iger for his generous mentorship, his friendship and the profound impact of his leadership.”

Bob added: “Josh D’Amaro is an exceptional leader and the right person to become our next CEO. 

“He has an instinctive appreciation of the Disney brand and a deep understanding of what resonates with our audiences, paired with the rigour and attention to detail required to deliver some of our most ambitious projects.”

Supporting leadership

Dana Walden, appointed President and Chief Creative Officer in a newly created role, will report directly to Josh.

She will receive a total grant-date package valued at roughly US$32.26m, including a US$3.75m base salary, performance-based bonus of 200%, US$15.75m in long-term incentives and a US$5.26m one-time award.

Dana’s role is designed to ensure Disney’s creative vision remains central to the business while Josh focuses on operations and strategy.

Together, the executive team reflects a balance of operational expertise and creative leadership as Disney navigates the next stage of its growth.