When leadership changes at a company like Disney, the limelight often falls not just on power and responsibility, but also on pay. As Josh D’Amaro prepares to step into the role of chief executive officer, his compensation package shows just how much the company is investing in its next chapter.
A $38 million welcome to the corner office
As Disney’s incoming CEO, D’Amaro is expected to earn close to $38 million. His pay begins with an annual base salary of $2.5 million. On top of that, he will receive a one-time award of $9.75 million for taking on the role.
The biggest portion of his compensation, however, comes from long-term stock incentives worth $26.2 million for every year he serves as CEO. In addition to this, D’Amaro is eligible for a yearly bonus that can go up to 250 percent of his base salary, depending on how well he meets performance targets set by the company.
D’Amaro’s pay structure
The structure of D’Amaro’s pay shows Disney’s focus on long-term growth. By tying a large share of his compensation to stock incentives, the company is clearly betting on his ability to drive sustained value. Like many top executive pay packages, these awards still need approval from Disney’s board compensation committee.D’Amaro will officially take over as CEO on March 18, moving up from his current role as chairman of Disney’s experiences division.
Dana Walden’s pay
As D’Amaro steps into the CEO role, Dana Walden will take on a newly expanded position as president and chief creative officer. In this role, she will oversee Disney Entertainment, Hulu, Disney+, and marketing.
Walden’s contract includes a higher base salary than the CEO’s, at $3.75 million a year, along with a one-time award of $5.26 million. She is eligible for an annual bonus worth up to 200 percent of her base salary. Her long-term stock awards are smaller than D’Amaro’s, with planned annual grants of $15.75 million. Altogether, her total compensation is expected to be around $24 million.
Her deal also includes a special performance-based “hit series bonus,” rewarding her if shows she approves meet key success benchmarks. Walden’s contract currently runs until March 17, 2030.
Transition from Bob Iger
D’Amaro succeeds Bob Iger, who is stepping aside from the top job for the second time after returning in 2022. Iger will remain involved as a senior advisor and stay on Disney’s board until the end of 2026. In 2025, Iger’s total pay stood at $45.8 million, made up of salary, stock and option awards, incentive pay, and other compensation.
He joined Disney in 1998 at Disneyland Resort in California, starting in accounting and finance roles. Before that, he earned a business degree from Georgetown University in 1993 and worked in corporate finance at the Gillette Company in Boston.
Over the years at Disney, D’Amaro worked across finance, strategy, marketing, and operations. That wide-ranging experience has shaped his leadership style and ultimately led him to the company’s top job.