Josh D’Amaro was just named the new CEO of Disney — and I mean Disney with a capital D, the whole company — and I’ve gotta say something about what this means for Broadway.

If you care about the future of live theater (especially Broadway) this isn’t small news. It’s BIG news.

Disney isn’t just some giant entertainment company. Disney is the company that has, for decades, acted as one of Broadway’s biggest boosters. Their work in the theater, from Beauty and the Beast to The Lion King and everything under the Disney Theatrical umbrella, has helped keep audiences coming through the doors of all 41 Broadway houses.

So when someone like Josh D’Amaro takes the helm, the first question I always ask is:

Will this new leader get Broadway? And more importantly, will he help push it forward?

@ranger7studios on my Instagram said “YESSSSSSS!!!!!! He’a a Walt, not a Roy. This is fantastic news!” 

And while I love the enthusiasm, I can’t predict the future (yet) but here’s how I’m thinking about it:

He Has The Experience

Before becoming CEO, Josh D’Amaro served as Chairman of Disney Experiences, overseeing everything that happens when audiences show up in person — theme parks, resorts, cruises, and live entertainment.

That matters. Because that role isn’t about IP on a screen. It’s about managing experience. How people feel when they walk through the gates. Sit in a seat. Watch a story unfold live.

Leaders who come from this side of the business tend to value long-term audience trust, emotional connection, and repeat attendance . . . not just short-term metrics.

For Broadway, that’s encouraging. A CEO who understands the power (and complexity) of live, in-person storytelling is far more likely to see theater as a strategic asset — not an afterthought.

Disney Has Historically Helped Broadway Grow

Disney’s investment in Broadway goes back decades. 

They didn’t just produce shows. They helped revitalize the Broadway landscape, including taking over and renovating landmark theaters in Times Square. 

That kind of commitment, to productions and theatrical infrastructure, can’t be understated. And there’s every reason to think leadership changes at the top won’t change that foundational interest.

Leadership Changes Matter

This comes at a time when Broadway is navigating so many challenges: rising production costs, changes in audience habits, competition from digital entertainment, and more. 

A CEO with a broad vision for storytelling (not just on screens but on stages) could be a real asset to our community.

That said, leadership matters. Who leads the company shapes where priorities are placed. I hope this signals more collaboration between the world of live theater and other forms of storytelling — not less.

What I’m Watching Next

Here’s what I’ll be looking for in the weeks and months ahead:

• How Disney connects its theatrical division back into its larger entertainment strategy
• Whether Broadway gets a seat at the table for major franchise planning
• Whether the Broadway ecosystem continues to benefit from Disney’s promotional and creative muscle

Because when the big players invest in Broadway (not just financially but with strategic intention and creative energy) it helps all of us.

More to come as this story unfolds, but in the meantime: this is worth paying attention to if you love the future of Broadway.

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