The Walt Disney Company has announced that current Disney Experiences Chairman Josh D’Amaro will be the company’s next CEO. Joining him at the top of the company is Dana Walden, who will be the President and Chief Creative Officer. With the announcement just hours old, former CEO Michael Eisner took to X (formerly Twitter) to congratulate the two executives. He posted the following:
Congratulations to Josh D’Amaro for becoming the CEO of the Walt Disney Company, and congratulations to Chairman James Gorman for making such a wise pick as well as promoting Dana Walden to president and chief creative officer. My advice to Josh is continue Bob Iger’s strategy that creativity will handle profits, always protect the brand, and keep close the words of Walt Disney: “We love to entertain kings and queens, but the vital thing to remember is this—every guest receives the VIP treatment.” Good luck.
Michael Eisner
Michael Eisner held the role of CEO of The Walt Disney Company from 1984 to 2005. He was replaced by the current Disney CEO Bob Iger. Eisner’s tenure at the helm of Disney was marked by several highlights, including:
- Revitalization of Disney animation, leading to the Disney Renaissance
- Acquisition of ABC
- Acquisition of most of ESPN
- Acquisition of The Muppets
- Expansion of Disney Parks and opening of new parks that include:
- Disney-MGM Studios (Disney’s Hollywood Studios)
- Euro Disney (Disneyland Paris)
- Disney’s Animal Kingdom
- Disney’s California Adventure
- Tokyo DisneySea
- Walt Disney Studios Park (Disney Adventure World)
- Hong Kong Disneyland
After leaving Disney, Michael Eisner has continued to keep busy with a variety of different projects. On occasion, he has spoken out about events at Disney, generally with words of support.
What do you think of Michael Eisner congratulating the new Disney leadership? What do you think of the new leadership? Share your thoughts and opinions in the comments below!
