Former Disney CEO Bob Chapek is taking credit for the rise of current chief executive Josh D’Amaro. The claim comes from excerpts of Chapek’s upcoming book, obtained by The New York Times. Chapek describes D’Amaro as a protégé he personally pushed into the spotlight, though the book has not yet been released. Here’s the latest.
Bob Chapek Says He Personally Pushed for Josh D’Amaro’s Promotion
IN THIS ARTICLE:
- Bob Chapek’s unreleased book claims credit for identifying and promoting Josh D’Amaro
- D’Amaro previously worked under Chapek in Disney’s theme parks division
- A spokesman for D’Amaro declined to comment on Chapek’s claims
What Chapek Wrote About D’Amaro
The New York Times obtained former Disney CEO Bob Chapek’s forthcoming book, in which Chapek discusses D’Amaro’s path through the company. D’Amaro took over as Disney CEO in March, after years working for Chapek within the theme parks division, and then under Bob Iger.
Chapek calls D’Amaro central to the disruptive changes he pursued as CEO, describing him as “the tip of my spear” in that effort. He then claims direct responsibility for D’Amaro’s advancement. “I consistently suggested the idea of promoting him,” Chapek writes, according to the excerpts. “He had been a relative unknown in the corporate hierarchy before I singled him out.”
D’Amaro’s Camp Stays Quiet
A spokesman for D’Amaro declined to comment on Chapek’s characterization, the Times reports, and Disney has not issued its own statement addressing the excerpts.
Disney named D’Amaro its next CEO in February, and he formally took over at the company’s Annual Meeting in March, succeeding Bob Iger. Before that, D’Amaro spent years leading Disney Experiences, the company’s parks, cruise line, and consumer products division. He took that role in 2020, when Disney promoted Chapek to CEO and moved D’Amaro into his old job.
Chapek’s own tenure as Disney CEO ran from 2020 to 2022, a period marked by the pandemic’s impact on the parks business and by public clashes with Disney talent and shareholders. Iger returned to the top job after Chapek’s firing and led the company until D’Amaro’s promotion earlier this year.
Keep Reading
- BREAKING: Josh D’Amaro Named Next Disney CEO — Our original report on D’Amaro’s selection as Disney’s next chief executive.
- Josh D’Amaro Assumes Role of Disney CEO, Outlining Priorities — What D’Amaro said about his vision for the company as he officially took over.
As always, keep checking back with us here at BlogMickey.com as we continue to bring you the latest news, photos, and info from around the Disney Parks!