How New Disney CEO Josh D’Amaro Rejected the Glitzy LA Life to Live Minutes from the Company’s California Theme Park

Hours before Josh D’Amaro has been named Disney’s new CEO—and the successor to the famous Bob Iger-Questions had already been raised about his plans to change the company and, interestingly enough, how the new role would change his life.

D’Amaro, a Massachusetts native who will turn 55 later this month, was announced as the entertainment company’s new CEO on Feb. 3, with Iger, 74, describing him as an “exceptional leader” who will pioneer some of Disney’s “most ambitious projects.”

“Josh D’Amaro is an exceptional leader and the right person to be our next CEO,” Iger said in a statement, according to the Los Angeles Times.

“He has a natural appreciation for the Disney brand, and a deep understanding of what resonates with our audiences, coupled with the tenacity and attention to detail required to deliver some of our most important projects.”

According to The Hollywood Reporter, D’Amaro is set to receive an impressive $38 million compensation package, including an annual base of $2.5 million and a one-time payment of $9.75 million when he steps up to the position on March 18.

D’Amaro’s announcement as the new CEO has become something of a surprise in recent days, when the New York Times published a piece on Jan. 30 which asked: “Can This Man Break the Disney Curse of Success?”

In this regard, many questions have been raised about D’Amaro’s ability to overcome the many challenges he faces, including possible opposition from Iger, his successor, Bob Chapekhe only served as CEO for two years before he was ousted and his predecessor returned to take his place.

But the other big question facing D’Amaro is whether he has the profile needed to take over the entertainment giant, which the Times points out is unknown in Hollywood circles, especially in the movie and TV business.

“For someone who might be on the verge of taking over the world’s largest entertainment conglomerate, Mr. D’Amaro has a surprisingly low profile in Hollywood,” the company said, noting the fact that D’Amaro’s biggest profile is among Disney fans, who treat him like a celebrity whenever they see him roaming the parks.

The incoming Disney boss has dedicated much of his life to the company, having joined its ranks in 1998, taking on many roles – domestic and international – in the years since.

Most recently, D’Amaro served as Disney’s chairman of experiences, overseeing some of the company’s most profitable business arms, including cruises and theme parks.

He is often seen by Disney fans at the Disneyland Resort in California, where he served as president for about 18 months starting in 2018.

That same year, D’Amaro and his wife, Susanher former high school sweetheart, bought a home near the park—a Mediterranean mansion in Trabuco Canyon that they picked up for $2.85 million. According to Realtor.com® estimates, we should now be closer to $4 million.

The four-bedroom, 3.5-bathroom home sits on a luxurious cul de sac, one of the largest mansions that line the tree-lined street.

In its listing, the residence was described as offering a “luxurious living experience,” complete with a large master suite with its own private massage area, as well as a large walk-in closet and spa-inspired bathroom.

“This home comfortably accommodates even the most discerning customer,” the description concludes.

Perhaps most appealing to D’Amaro was its proximity to Disneyland—located in Anaheim, about 40 minutes from the new CEO’s home.

D’Amaro and his wife are understood to have used the house as their primary residence for the past eight years – during which time they have, for the most part, escaped the limelight, at least in terms of the glitz and glamor of Hollywood.

However, that anonymity may not be possible because of D’Amaro’s new position.

He has already demonstrated his ability to optimize some of Disney’s most profitable assets, growing his department’s revenue by nearly 40% since taking over in 2020, increasing that figure from $26.2 billion in fiscal 2019 to $36.2 billion in fiscal 2025, according to CNBC.

Iger commented during an earnings call on Feb. 2 that much has been done to turn Disney’s fortunes around in recent years—but he also made it clear that much remains to be done.

“We have done a lot to fix, but we have also opened up many opportunities … to grow in all the areas we trade in and on the high seas,” he said.

D’Amaro is the man tasked with bringing to life the next phase of the Disney legacy—and he’ll undoubtedly have the world’s eyes on him as he does.

When choosing Iger’s successor, Disney’s board was unanimous in its decision to promote D’Amaro, according to the chairman. James Gormanwho said they have great confidence in his ability to move the company forward.

Throughout this search process, Josh has demonstrated a strong vision for the company’s future and a deep understanding of the creative spirit that sets Disney apart in an ever-changing marketplace,” Gorman said. “The board believes he is well-prepared to guide this global company to serve our consumers around the world and create long-term shareholder value.”