Disney Fills Key Leadership Positions

Walt Disney Co. has named the president of the Walt Disney World Resort as the new chairman of its parks, experience and products division. Josh D’Amaro replaces Bob Chapek as head of the Burbank entertainment and media giant’s theme park unit after Chapek became chief executive officer in February. D’Amaro will oversee, among other aspects of the business unit, six theme park-resort destinations in the United States, Europe and Asia; a top-rated cruise line; and Disney’s global consumer products operations. “It is an incredible honor to lead our team of talented and dedicated cast members around the globe, who go above-and-beyond every single day,” D’Amaro said in a statement. Additionally, Rebecca Campbell was named chairman of the direct-to-consumer and international business division. She replaces Kevin Mayer, who left Disney to take the chief executive role at Tik Tok, the short form video service based in Los Angeles. Campbell will oversee Disney’s streaming networks, including Disney+, ESPN+ and Hulu, as well as the international businesses that include including Disney’s International Channels, Fox Networks International and Star India. “Armed with the best creative content engines and technology teams in the industry, I am extremely confident in our ability to continue growing the business around the globe,” she said in a statement. Both Campbell and D’Amaro will report to Chapek. Shares of Disney (DIS) closed up $7.80, or more than 7 percent, to $116.85 on the New York Stock Exchange, on a day when the Dow finished up nearly 4 percent.