Dana Walden, currently co-chair of Disney’s entertainment division, is set to take on the role of president and chief creative officer next month, reporting directly to D’Amaro.
As The Walt Disney Company prepares for a leadership transition following Bob Iger’s planned retirement, the company has announced key senior appointments including the newly appointed CEO Josh D’Amaro. The new leaders are expected to play a central role in shaping Disney’s next phase.
Walden will make history as Disney’s first-ever chief creative officer and the first woman to serve as president of the 102-year-old company. While Disney has previously had creative leaders within specific divisions including its animation studios, where Walt Disney himself once held that responsibility, the group has never before appointed a single executive to oversee creative strategy across its entire global operation.
In her new role, Walden will be responsible for guiding Disney’s creative output across film studios, cable networks, streaming platforms and broader content development. The appointment marks a significant structural shift for a company that has evolved into a vast media conglomerate spanning television, cinema and digital services.
Walden joined Disney in 2019 following its acquisition of 21st Century Fox, where she had served as a senior television executive. She went on to lead Walt Disney Television, overseeing a period of strong critical and commercial performance. In 2024, Disney’s television and streaming content secured 60 Emmy Awards, including wins for The Bear and Shōgun on FX and Hulu, as well as Jeopardy! on ABC.
Since 2022, Walden has co-led Disney’s entertainment business alongside Alan Bergman. While Bergman has overseen the company’s film operations and will continue to do so, Walden’s expanded remit will give her influence over major strategic decisions affecting Disney’s most valuable franchises, including Star Wars, Marvel and Pixar. Her responsibilities will span Hulu, Disney Branded Television, ABC News and National Geographic content.
