Calling D’Amaro an “exceptional leader and the right person to become our next CEO,” Iger continued in a press statement, “I’m confident Disney will continue to innovate and put the spirit of Walt at the heart of everything it does – from its new park in Abu Dhabi to the groundbreaking partnerships just announced with OpenAI and the NFL, to the countless upcoming creative projects that will enthrall audiences around the world. Disney has shaped who I am as a leader, and I will always be grateful to this extraordinary company and for the opportunity to lead it over all these years.” Says D’Amaro, “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 honor Disney’s remarkable legacy while continuing to innovate, grow, and deliver exceptional value for our consumers and shareholders.” Per The Hollywood Reporter, D’Amaro is expected to receive a $38 million pay package.
Also announced today was that Dana Walden would be elevated to Chief Creative Officer after previously serving as co-chair of Disney Entertainment, and CEO of Fox Television Group before its acquisition by Disney. Walden’s name was previously in the press quite a bit around the time Jimmy Kimmel’s show was put on pause. Kimmel went on to praise her response to the situation in a conversation with Deadline, saying, “I don’t think the result, which I think turned out to be very positive, would have been as positive if I hadn’t talked to Dana as much as I did, because it helped me think everything through, and it helped me understand where everyone was coming from because I can sometimes be reactionary.” Her new role is also effective March 18, and she is expected to receive a $24 million pay package.
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