Josh D'Amaro assumes Disney CEO role at annual meeting

Josh D'Amaro officially assumes his new role as the chief executive officer of The Walt Disney Company at the annual shareholder meeting on Wednesday. Taking the helm of the entertainment giant during a period of significant transformation, D'Amaro's promotion follows his successful stewardship of the company's theme parks division, which accounted for 57% of the previous year's $17.5 billion profit. Investors are looking for a clear strategy as the company navigates the rise of artificial intelligence and potential disruptions to global tourism stemming from conflicts in the Middle East and rising energy costs. D'Amaro also faces the challenge of revitalizing a declining television business and addressing box office fatigue surrounding major franchises like Marvel and Star Wars. In the United States and globally, Disney must now compete for consumer attention against digital platforms such as YouTube and TikTok.