Inside Josh D’Amaro’s Strategic Letter To Disney Employees

As Disney’s new CEO, Josh D’Amaro has highlighted the fundamental priorities of his new leadership in an official memo to company staffers.

Following the departure of longstanding CEO Disney Bob Iger, Josh personally thanked him and gave his first remarks to shareholders as CEO of the Walt Disney Company.

“Bob, on behalf of our employees, cast members, shareholders and fans around the world, thank you so much for your tremendous leadership, your steadfast support, and your countless contributions,” he said at the company’s annual shareholder meeting.

He went on to discuss critical goals such as international expansion, developing technologies for storytelling and park development, noting record revenue amid Disney’s US$60bn investment programme.

In the letter, Josh emphasises that storytelling and creativity will remain Disney’s “North Star”, and that his vision of “One Disney” will ensure optimal synergy with every aspect of the company to meet the needs of executives, shareholders, staffers and consumers.

“This transition comes at a moment when the world is changing faster than ever,” he writes. “While that can feel daunting at times, it is also exciting. Disney has endured and thrived for generations by meeting change with vision, ambition, integrity and optimism.”

Core leadership priorities

In his letter, Josh discusses the three core priorities for Disney under his leadership going forward.

The first is a focus on storytelling and creative excellence, both acting as lynchpins for all company decision-making. He says the company must take worthwhile risks, learn quickly and always deliver work that exceeds the expectations of the company and its audience.

The second is an adoption of technologies to enhance company systems and the consumer experiences offered. Josh says that, if used correctly, innovation can empower storytellers, strengthen existing operations and create more immersive and personal ways for consumers to experience the brand.

The third is his plan to operate as “One Disney”, a strategy designed to unify global businesses and company goals under one roof. He adds that aligning teams and work operations is the most optimal way to build on core strengths and improve relationships with consumers globally.

Discussing his strategy in the letter, Josh says: “This transition comes at a moment when the world is changing faster than ever. While that can feel daunting at times, it is also exciting. 

“Disney has endured and thrived for generations by meeting change with vision, ambition, integrity and optimism.”

Potential for growth and innovation

While proving popular among park guests, employees and executives, shareholders may need assurance of growth potential as Disney’s stock continues to underperform despite its valuable brand portfolio – suggesting Josh may need to find a consistent way of sustaining the company’s core growth areas.

The company’s most recent quarterly earnings were boosted by its theme parks and streaming service, two areas that have proven profitable among investors, industry peers and consumers.

Josh refers to Disney+ as the “the digital centerpiece of our company”, noting the merge with Hulu, which he suggests will drive international growth and further value for subscribers and the wider business.

He highlights company growth potential with Disney’s ownership of ESPN, discussing collaborations with other sports institutions and the planned, first-time ESPN broadcast of the Super Bowl. 

Josh also announces the expansion of the Disney Cruise Line fleet and the largest capital investment plan in the company’s experience history, designed to build on existing sites and construct new parks around the world.

“While others in our industry are consolidating just to compete, or struggling to be relevant in a fragmented and disrupted world, Disney is in a category of one, poised to accelerate into our next era of innovation and growth, Josh adds.

“This next chapter will be driven by staying focused on world-class creativity, enhanced by technology, bringing unforgettable stories to audiences wherever they are.”