Disney's new CEO will have to do something harder than run the company. He'll have to be the face of it

"For the past six years, Josh D'Amaro has overseen experiences, such as theme parks and cruises, at the Walt Disney Company. Starting March 18, he'll add the rest of the company to his responsibilities. Disney has tapped D'Amaro as its new chief executive officer, taking the reins from Bob Iger and becoming just the ninth person to run the century-old entertainment giant. D'Amaro won a highly competitive race for the job, fending off Disney's entertainment co-chairman, Dana Walden."

"Walden will remain with the company in the newly created position of president and chief creative officer. In becoming CEO, D'Amaro also becomes the public face of Disney, a role that's more than ceremonial. Since Walt Disney first created the company, the CEO has been a highly visible presence not only in Hollywood and on Wall Street, but in pop culture."

"Previous CEOs, including Iger and Michael Eisner, were nearly as famous as the stars in Disney's films. Ready for his close-up? D'Amaro has been assuming an increasingly public presence in the past several years, with media appearances and high-profile events, such as overseeing the recent christening of the Disney Destiny cruise ship. He has also been closely involved in some of the company's biggest projects, including the $60 billion expansion of the parks and experiences division and the recently announced forthcoming Abu Dhabi park."

Josh D'Amaro will assume the role of CEO of The Walt Disney Company on March 18, after six years overseeing experiences such as theme parks and cruises. He will add corporate oversight to his existing responsibilities and becomes the company's ninth CEO. D'Amaro prevailed in a competitive selection process over Dana Walden, who will remain with the company as president and chief creative officer. The CEO position functions as a prominent public face across Hollywood, Wall Street, and popular culture. D'Amaro has increased his public presence through media appearances, high-profile events, and leadership of major initiatives including a $60 billion parks expansion and a forthcoming Abu Dhabi park.

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