Cease us if you happen to’ve heard this one earlier than. Disney CEO Bob Iger has picked his successor, naming the chairman of Disney Experiences, the section of the corporate that runs its theme parks. Whereas that did not pan out too properly final time, with Bob Chapek taking on for 2 years from 2020 to 2022 earlier than Iger returned to alleviate him of his duties, the second attempt simply would possibly be the attraction. This time round, Chapek’s successor within the parks division is being handed the keys to the Magic Kingdom. When you’re a Disney grownup, nevertheless, you already know all about Josh D’Amaro. You would possibly even know him by his different title: Daddy Josh.
The Daddy Josh nickname began spreading on-line when D’Amaro took over for Chapek at Disney Experiences in 2020. Daddy Josh was youthful, cooler, seemed to be a fan of the parks, and was excited by investing in them — a subject a lot of Disney’s most die-hard followers had been sore about within the aftermath of the Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge launch. Chapek seemed like a company government; Daddy Josh seemed like a pleasant man you chat with whereas in line for Area Mountain. Disney followers discovered the brand new parks boss way more relatable and thrilling, and Daddy Josh was born. Additionally they actually discovered him, as it isn’t unusual to see Daddy Josh strolling across the parks, assembly visitors, and taking images. (Simply take a look at his Instagram and also you’ll see loads of images just like the one above of D’Amaro posing with followers, staff, and characters.)
Sadly, Disney has by no means formally accepted the nickname. It is a disgrace as a result of, truthfully, investor calls can be much more enjoyable if run by a man often known as Daddy. That hasn’t stopped followers from embracing it — whether or not to reward or ridicule him — within the years since D’Amaro took over. And for essentially the most half, it appears they’re thrilled with this alternative, if just for what it may imply to Disney’s theme parks.
Because it stands, Daddy Josh is presiding over a $60 billion enlargement of Disney’s parks, which features a new villain-themed land at Walt Disney World, an Avatar enlargement at Disneyland Resort, and a model new theme park in Abu Dhabi, amongst different points of interest coming over the following a number of years. In the mean time, D’Amaro has not named a successor for his function at Disney Experiences. Nevertheless, it could not be shocking to see Jeff Vahle, who succeeded Daddy Josh as president of Walt Disney World, step into the function.
Daddy Josh has been with Disney since 1998, when he began within the gross sales and journey commerce advertising division. He ultimately turned president of Disneyland Resort, then Walt Disney World, earlier than changing into chairman of Disney Experiences.
In an announcement about his appointment, Daddy Josh mentioned, “I’m immensely grateful to the board for entrusting me with main an organization which means a lot to me and hundreds of thousands around the globe. Disney’s power has all the time come from our individuals and the inventive excellence that defines our tales and experiences. There isn’t any restrict to what Disney can obtain, and I’m excited to work with our groups throughout the corporate and sensible inventive companions to honor Disney’s exceptional legacy whereas persevering with to innovate, develop, and ship distinctive worth for our customers and shareholders.”
Sadly, at no level in his assertion does he declare, “Daddy’s residence.” Whereas some (learn: me) would possibly think about it a missed alternative, Disney’s company public relations workforce would doubtless disagree.
Daddy Josh will take over for Iger — who’s leaving for the second time — on March 18 on the Walt Disney Firm’s annual assembly. He’ll be supported by Dana Walden, who’s being promoted from co-chair of Disney Leisure to the function of president and chief inventive officer.
