"D'Amaro has spent nearly three decades climbing the Mickey Mouse corporate ladder, but taking over Main Street USA wasn't always part of the plan. The 54-year-old has said uncertainty, not a master plan, has guided much of his career. After growing up in Massachusetts, D'Amaro enrolled at Skidmore College intending to become a sculptor. But one night at the end of his sophomore year changed everything. D'Amaro found himself welding a 12-foot sculpture at 2 a.m., wrestling with a very adult question: How would he ever support a family as an artist?"
"D'Amaro finished the piece-an abstract human figure reaching toward the sky-but soon made the executive decision to pivot to a new career. He transferred to Georgetown University, and pursued an undergraduate degree in business administration. "In my head, I was going to be an artist-I was painting, sculpting and studying art with a bit of business on the side," D'Amaro told Georgetown students last year. "I loved it, but I realized I didn't know what the hell I was going to do when I got out.""
Josh D'Amaro will become CEO of Disney next month after serving as chairman of Disney Experiences, overseeing theme parks, cruises, and consumer products. He has spent nearly three decades rising through Disney's ranks and will lead a nearly $200 billion entertainment conglomerate. D'Amaro grew up in Massachusetts and initially studied sculpture at Skidmore College before transferring to Georgetown University to study business. A late-night welding project prompted the career pivot. His leadership emphasizes admitting uncertainty; he believes saying 'I don't know' empowers others, invites advice, and fosters collaboration, reflecting a pragmatic, people-focused approach.
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