Why Disney’s new CEO is great news for the parks 🏰 #disneyparks

🏰‼️ Disney just announced Bob Iger’s (new) replacement: Josh D’amaro. Here are 2 big reasons it will go better than the last time Iger stepped down. Disney Experiences Chairman Josh D'Amaro will take over as CEO on March 18, ending a 20+ year streak of Bobs at the helm. But for theme park fans, the bigger story isn't the name change. It's D'Amaro's background and track record. For the first time ever, Disney will be run by a true parks person. D'Amaro spent his entire Disney career in the parks/experiences division, starting at Disneyland in 1998. In recent years, he’s made some very positive moves as the head of parks and experiences. According to the Wall Street Journal, he was instrumental in bringing Bruce Vaughn back to lead Imagineering. He also oversaw a massive expansion of Disney Cruise Line’s fleet, and most importantly, he’s been guiding a $60 billion investment into Parks and Experiences over the next decade. His elevation to CEO signals that level of investment will remain a priority. Now some will say: Bob Chapek ran parks before becoming CEO, and that didn't go well. But Chapek's background was actually in consumer products, not parks, and it showed. He had operational expertise but struggled as a creative leader, and his cost-cutting approach reportedly damaged the company's creative culture according to sources like CNBC. Here's what makes this transition different: Dana Walden will be promoted to President and Chief Creative Officer, and she could be the secret sauce for the next era of Disney. Chapek never had a true counterweight covering his blind spots. Walden has a stellar reputation with Hollywood's creative talent, an area where D'Amaro doesn't have deep experience. Both leaders have great track records, and they clearly value creativity. That direction has me optimistic for Disney's future. But what do you think? Did Disney make the right call, or should they have found someone else named Bob? 🎬 #DisneyParks #DisneyWorld #disney #DisneyCruiseLine #Imagineering #waltdisneycompany