Disney CEO Josh D’Amaro has been named one of The 100 Most Influential People of 2026 by TIME. In receiving this honor, the new Disney CEO had a tribute written about him by former Disney CEO Bob Iger.
Iger started by saying, “I believe in the future of the Walt Disney Co. because I believe in Josh D’Amaro.” He then continued to sing his praises. He noted that D’Amaro has a deep appreciation for what Disney means to the world. He also has a wealth of knowledge about the company and a “strong and abiding respect” for the fans. “His ability to connect with people is one of his superpowers,” Iger said. He noted that this will serve D’Amaro well as the eighth CEO of The Walt Disney Company.
The tribute continued and shared how D’Amaro understands how “quality, attention to detail, and bold creativity set Disney apart.” This will be used as Josh D’Amaro leads the company into the future under his leadership.
There is also a recognition that D’Amaro recognizes the importance of creativity. Iger said, “I am confident that under his leadership, creators and creative processes will endure and thrive.”
He concluded his tribute saying, “I couldn’t be happier for Josh, for the company, and for the millions and millions of Disney fans who love this place and expect it will continue as a beacon of happiness and joy to the world.”
“The 2026 TIME100 list of the world’s most influential people recognizes the leaders, innovators, and changemakers who are redefining the future. We are honored to convene this extraordinary global community at this year’s TIME100 Summit and Gala, alongside our incredible partners, to spotlight their impact,” said TIME Chief Executive Officer Jessica Sibley.
The 100 Most Influential People of 2026 includes pioneers, leaders, and titans, as well as artists, innovators, and icons who were chosen to join TIME’s list. Other people who were on the list include Dakota Johnson by Taylor Swift, Ralph Lauren by Oprah Winfrey, Pope Leo XIV by Martin Scorsese, Victoria Beckham by Anna Wintour, Mashama Bailey by Kamala Harris, Luke Combs by Ed Sheeran, Hilary Knight by Malala Yousafzai, Jennie by Gracie Abrams, Kate Hudson by Mindy Kaling, Lando Norris by Paris Hilton, Dolores Huerta by Gloria Steinem. For this special edition of the magazine, there are four variations of the cover that feature: actor Zoe Saldaña, comedian Nikki Glaser, actor Wagner Moura, and singer-songwriter Luke Combs.
TIME Editor in Chief Sam Jacobs wrote in a letter to readers about the list, saying, “There is no single metric that defines influence. Our selections are led by the stories that are shaping the world each year and the people who write them. Some are well known to many, others only within their fields…Few people, we suspect, will be familiar with all 100 individuals. We believe that is part of the appeal of the TIME100, now well into its third decade, and the reason it has endured. In recent years, we’ve been busy growing the TIME100 community by focusing on the areas we believe shape the future—including AI, Climate, Health, and Philanthropy, as well as emerging fields in which individuals, such as digital creators, are playing an outsize role….we are eager to see which of the individuals in this issue will still be wielding influence more than 50 years from today.”
TIME will convene the 2026 TIME100 list of the world’s most influential people in New York City at the TIME100 Summit on April 22 and the TIME100 Gala on April 23.
