If you’ve been following Disney news lately, you know that The Walt Disney Company has been going through some MAJOR changes — and it looks like that’s not slowing down anytime soon. Ever since Bob Chapek was fired back in 2022 and Bob Iger made his surprising return as CEO, things have been in a bit of a state of flux. Iger wasn’t supposed to come back — and now that he’s here, his time is set to end in 2026. That leaves one BIG question: Who’s next?
We’ve heard a lot of rumors about potential successors, with Dana Walden (co-chairman of Disney Entertainment) and Josh D’Amaro (chairman of Disney Parks, Experiences, and Products) at the center of the conversation. But while we wait for the big decision on Disney’s next CEO, there are some pretty big shake-ups happening at Walt Disney World right now — and these leadership changes could have a HUGE impact on your park visits in the coming years.
Let’s break down who’s moving where and what it could mean for Disney fans!
Disney’s Next CEO — What’s the Latest?
When Bob Iger returned to Disney’s top spot, it was kind of a big deal. After all, he’d already stepped down once before — and bringing him back wasn’t exactly part of the plan. But with Bob Chapek’s controversial decisions and the growing challenges Disney was facing (like guest dissatisfaction and financial struggles), the company needed Iger’s steady hand to right the ship.
Now, as his 2026 exit draws closer, everyone’s wondering who will take the lead when he steps down. Two big names keep popping up in conversations:
- Dana Walden: She’s the co-chairman of Disney Entertainment, overseeing Disney’s massive TV, film, and streaming content. If you love Disney+, Hulu, or ABC, you’ve already seen her influence. Walden is a creative powerhouse and a top contender for the CEO role.
- Josh D’Amaro: As chairman of Disney Parks, Experiences, and Products, D’Amaro is well-loved by Disney fans for his visible presence and passion for the parks. He’s been instrumental in shaping the guest experience at Disney’s resorts and could bring that same people-focused approach to the entire company.
While we wait for Disney to make its big decision, there are already big leadership changes happening at Walt Disney World, and they could shake things up in a MAJOR way.
What’s Changing at Walt Disney World?
If you’re a Disney World regular (or even if you just love keeping up with all things Disney), you’ll want to know about these new leadership shifts. Here’s a closer look at the key players and where they’re heading:
Matt Simon Takes Over EPCOT
EPCOT fans, get ready — there’s a new Vice President in town! Matt Simon, who’s been leading Disney Springs since 2018, is stepping into the role of Vice President of EPCOT.
Before his time at Disney, Simon worked on some major commercial projects, like The Grove in Los Angeles (known for its incredible retail success). At Disney Springs, he helped transform the district into a world-class shopping, dining, and entertainment destination — so we’re excited to see what kind of magic he brings to EPCOT, especially as the park’s transformation continues!
Debbie Hart Heads to Disney Springs
With Matt Simon moving to EPCOT, Debbie Hart is taking over his old role as the Vice President of Disney Springs.
Hart was previously VP of Food & Beverage and Merchandise at Disney World, which means she’s had a HUGE hand in shaping all those amazing dining and shopping experiences we love. (So if you’ve ever raved about a Disney snack or gone on a souvenir spree, you’ve probably got her to thank.) We can’t wait to see how she continues evolving Disney Springs as one of the best entertainment districts in Orlando!
Kartika Rodriguez Joins Experience Optimization
After leading EPCOT since 2021, Kartika Rodriguez is moving into a brand-new role as Vice President of Experience Optimization.
That title may sound fancy, but the job boils down to one big thing: making your Disney World experience even better. Rodriguez will focus on using data and guest feedback to improve park operations and streamline experiences, which will be especially important with changes like the new Lightning Lane Multi Pass system replacing Genie+.
Fun fact: Rodriguez also made Disney history as the first Black female Vice President of a Disney World park, and we’re thrilled to see her influence grow even more in this new position.
Kara Cressey Steps Into Customer Experience
With Rodriguez heading to Experience Optimization, Kara Cressey will take on the role of Vice President of Customer Experience, overseeing the Disney Central call center operations.
If you’ve ever called Disney with a question about your trip, made a dining reservation over the phone, or needed help with My Disney Experience, you’ve interacted with Disney Central. Cressey’s leadership here will be key to keeping those interactions smooth and helpful — especially with so many tech changes rolling out at the parks.
A New VP of Food & Beverage and Merchandise Is Coming
With Debbie Hart heading to Disney Springs, her VP of Food & Beverage and Merchandise role is now up for grabs — and this is a HUGE position at Walt Disney World. Whoever takes this job will be responsible for all those iconic Disney snacks, amazing restaurants, and must-have merch that make Disney World so special.
We’ll be keeping an eye out for any announcements about this role because it’s going to be a big one.
What Does This Mean for Disney Fans?
These leadership changes may seem behind-the-scenes, but they absolutely impact your Disney experience. From the food you eat and the merch you buy to the way the parks run and the new experiences coming to EPCOT, the people in these roles help shape the magic.
As Disney gears up for the future — including the search for a new CEO — it’s clear they’re laying the groundwork for some big changes. We’ll be keeping a close eye on what’s happening and how it affects your next Disney trip, so stay tuned for more updates!
