The Walt Disney Company has officially entered a new era of leadership as Josh D’Amaro formally assumed the role of Chief Executive Officer on March 18, 2026. The transition has triggered a significant reshuffle within the Disney Experiences segment, with a new suite of executives taking the helm of the company’s global theme parks and resorts.
As D’Amaro steps into the top job at the Walt Disney Company, succeeding Bob Iger, he leaves behind a legacy of record growth within the parks division. Taking his place as the primary steward of Disney's physical locations is Thomas Mazloum, who officially began his tenure as Chairman, Disney Experiences this week.
Thomas Mazloum Takes the Helm
Mazloum, previously the President of Disneyland Resort, now oversees the most profitable arm of the Disney empire. His remit includes all 12 global theme parks, Disney Cruise Line, Walt Disney World Resort, Disneyland Resort, and the creative powerhouse of Walt Disney Imagineering.
A veteran of Disney’s high-end hospitality and cruise operations, Mazloum is tasked with executing the company’s ambitious $60 billion capital investment strategy over the next decade. His immediate focus will be the continued expansion of the cruise fleet and the development of major new "lands" and attractions recently greenlit for the domestic and international parks.
New Presidential Line-up for Parks and Resorts
With Mazloum moving to the Chairman role, several key leadership changes have been finalized across the Experiences portfolio:
Jill Estorino – President, Disneyland Resort: Estorino has officially returned to Anaheim to lead Disney’s flagship resort. A 35-year veteran, she most recently served as President of Disney Parks International, where she oversaw the robust recovery and expansion of Disney’s overseas destinations.
Tasia Filippatos – President, Disney Parks International: Moving from her role as President of Disney Consumer Products, Filippatos now oversees operations and expansion for Disneyland Paris, Hong Kong Disneyland, Shanghai Disney Resort, and Tokyo Disney Resort. She also retains oversight of the upcoming Abu Dhabi park development.
Lisa Baldzicki – President, Disney Consumer Products: Formerly the head of Parks Product Development & Retail, Baldzicki has been promoted to lead the global retail and licensing division, bridging the gap between in-park merchandise and global consumer markets.
Strategic Alignment: The "One Disney" Vision
The reshuffle also clarifies the reporting structure between Experiences and the wider Entertainment segment. Under the leadership of Dana Walden (now President and Chief Creative Officer of The Walt Disney Company), the Games and Digital Entertainment division has moved into the Entertainment fold.
This move, led by Sean Shoptaw, signals a strategic shift to align Disney’s theme park stories more closely with its digital and gaming presence, particularly the ongoing "persistent universe" project in partnership with Epic Games.
A Smooth Transition
Industry analysts have noted the efficiency of this transition, which places two "parks-first" leaders, D’Amaro and Mazloum, at the top of the corporate hierarchy. This continuity is expected to reassure investors of Disney’s commitment to its most reliable revenue driver: the guest experience.
Josh D’Amaro, CEO of The Walt Disney Company, noted:
"We are in an unprecedented period of growth for Disney Experiences. I have tremendous confidence in Thomas and this leadership team to propel the world-class experiences Disney is known for to more guests across the globe."
