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Disney Parks CEO Josh D'Amaro Steps Down

  //science-technology.news-articles.net/content/2 .. 05/disney-parks-ceo-josh-d-amaro-steps-down.html
  Published in Science and Technology on Thursday, February 5th 2026 at 7:34 GMT by Newsweek
      Locales: California, New York, UNITED STATES

LAKE BUENA VISTA, FL - February 5th, 2026 - The House of Mouse is undergoing a leadership shakeup. Disney Parks, Experiences and Products CEO Josh D'Amaro will be stepping down from his position, effective February 6th, 2026, Disney CEO Bob Iger announced yesterday. The move, presented as a strategy for "long-term value creation," comes amidst mounting scrutiny of the parks' operational performance and a tightening financial landscape for the entertainment giant.

Lakeisha Boswell, a 15-year Disney veteran currently serving as Senior Vice President of Operations, will assume the role of interim CEO while a permanent replacement is sought. Boswell's experience managing both Walt Disney World and Disneyland positions her as a familiar face and steady hand during this transitional period. Her background focuses heavily on park operations and implementation of new technologies, suggesting a potential emphasis on efficiency and guest experience in the coming months.

D'Amaro's tenure, lasting less than three years after succeeding the long-serving Maryann Brennan in November 2022, was marked by both ambitious expansion and significant challenges. While he oversaw the continuation of popular initiatives like Genie+ and the rollout of new attractions, the recent holiday season proved to be a point of contention. Reports of exceptionally crowded parks, unusually long wait times, and guest dissatisfaction circulated widely on social media, generating negative press and raising concerns about the overall visitor experience.

The timing of this announcement is particularly noteworthy. The entertainment industry is facing increased pressure from streaming services and a shifting consumer landscape. Disney, while still a dominant force, has been navigating a challenging period with stock fluctuations and evolving audience expectations. The parks, traditionally a reliable revenue stream, are now under increased pressure to justify premium pricing amidst broader economic anxieties.

Beyond the immediate issue of holiday crowding, broader concerns about Disney's park strategy appear to be at play. Ticket prices have steadily increased in recent years, prompting debate about affordability and value. While Disney argues these increases are necessary to fund continued investment in the parks, critics contend they are alienating a significant segment of potential visitors. The balance between maximizing profit and maintaining accessibility is becoming increasingly delicate.

Furthermore, the company's ongoing investments in new technologies, while promising, have not been without hiccups. The implementation of the MyMagic+ system, for example, has been praised for its potential but criticized for its complexity and occasional technical glitches. Ensuring a seamless and enjoyable guest experience across all platforms is crucial for maintaining Disney's reputation for quality and customer service.

Boswell's immediate task will be to address these concerns and stabilize the parks' operations. Industry analysts predict she will focus on streamlining processes, improving guest flow, and addressing the technological challenges that have contributed to recent frustrations. Expect to see a potential recalibration of capacity management strategies and a renewed emphasis on employee training and customer service.

The search for a permanent CEO will be closely watched. Iger will likely prioritize a candidate with a proven track record of operational excellence, a deep understanding of the theme park industry, and a vision for the future of Disney's parks and resorts. The new leader will be tasked with navigating a complex landscape of economic pressures, technological advancements, and evolving consumer expectations. They must also consider the long-term sustainability of the parks' business model and ensure that Disney continues to deliver the magical experiences that have made it a global icon.