“One day after announcing that Josh D’Amaro would become the next CEO of The Walt Disney Co., with Dana Walden being elevated to president and chief creative officer, the company gathered its ranks for an employee town hall, moderated by ABC World News anchor David Muir. Outgoing CEO Bob Iger was there, as was D’Amaro”, — write: www.hollywoodreporter.com
Outgoing CEO Bob Iger was there, as were D’Amaro and Walden, to talk about the process, the people, and the future of the company.
“I leave with a tremendous sense of confidence in the hands I’ve left this company in,” Iger told employees. “It represents progress and change, which is critical, and it’s the result of a very healthy process. Closure is wonderful, and to be able to hand this job and this company over to someone that I’ve grown to like and respect and appreciate over the years is a great feeling.”
Top of mind for the larger entertainment business, of course, is the role that Walden will play. Both Iger and D’Amaro praised the veteran TV executive, underscoring the crucial role she will play in the company as it navigates what is without question the most disruptive moment for the entertainment business in years.
“She’s incredibly creative, incredibly connected with her team, quick to make decisions, and engaged all the time,” D’Amaro said of Walden. “She’s a good person, and I think that partnership is only going to grow stronger.”
“Dana has demonstrated for years that she respects the creative process and respects creators. This is a great role for the company and a perfect role for Dana,” Iger added.
But D’Amaro’s ascension was top of mind, and the executive expressed gratitude at being asked to succeed Iger.
“To be invited into a room two days ago and have Bob and James Gorman on the other side of the door asking me to be CEO, it’s surreal. A lot goes through your head in that moment,” D’Amaro said. “I got a little embarrassed. I got a little choked up when they let me know, because it’s a big responsibility.”
“Of course, I want to make Bob proud. I believe in the future,” he added. “I’m so optimistic about where this company can go, and I feel like my experiences over those 30 years have set me up well to hold on to the beautiful legacy of this company and push us into this bold future.”
And he suggested that there will be changes alongside the continuity that comes with stable leadership.
“We are 100 years old, but we’re 100 years young as well, willing to embrace new technology, new creators, and new markets,” he said. “That willingness to change and take risks is what keeps the brand going, and it’s something I intend to continue to push on.”
And Walden shared an anecdote that underscored the remarkably personal connection that D’Amaro has with guests.
“We were at Walt Disney World, and it started pouring rain,” Walden recalled to the employees. We came across a little boy who had been separated from his family and was sobbing. I watched Josh in action. It was as if he didn’t have to think about it. He moved quickly, calmly, and with so much care… The team reunited the child with his family so quickly, and watching Josh in that moment spoke volumes. He cares deeply about every person who walks into our parks. He cares about people.”