Plus: Firefox adds an AI off switch to search; SoulCycle makes a comeback with TikTok ‘2016’ trend.
Disney announced that Josh D’Amaro will become its next CEO, taking over from Bob Iger in March 2026. After much speculation about the company’s next successor, Disney landed on a familiar face and emphasized his experience and eye for innovation.
James Gorman, chairman of Disney’s board of directors, said in a release from the company, “Throughout this search process, Josh has demonstrated a strong vision for the company’s future and a deep understanding of the creative spirit that makes Disney unique in an ever-changing marketplace. He has an outstanding record of business achievement, collaborating with some of the biggest names in entertainment to bring their stories to life in our parks, showcasing the power of combining Disney storytelling with cutting-edge technology.”
D’Amaro has spent nearly 30 years at Disney in leadership positions across finance, creative development and marketing, and currently runs Disney Experiences, which includes parks, resorts and consumer products. It’s one of the company’s biggest businesses and one of the most visible parts of the brand.
In his statement, D’Amaro leaned into creativity and innovation.
“Disney’s strength has always come from our people and the creative excellence that defines our stories and experiences. There is no limit to what Disney can achieve, and I am excited to work with our teams across the company and brilliant creative partners to honor Disney’s remarkable legacy while continuing to innovate, grow and deliver exceptional value for our consumers and shareholders.”
Rather than a reset or total overhaul, D’Amaro positioned himself as the driver of growth and innovation as he continues to honor Disney’s legacy and its people.
Bob Iger reinforced that same idea. He praised D’Amaro’s leadership, creative instincts and deep understanding of Disney’s culture.
Iger will remain involved as a senior advisor through the end of 2026, offering continuity during the transition, the company said.
Shares of Disney were down 1.5% following the announcement on Tuesday.
Why it matters: CEO announcements are always scrutinized, but they matter even more at companies with strong emotional bonds to their audiences, and Disney is a cultural institution.
This announcement is designed to calm nerves. Choosing a longtime insider and keeping Iger visible reduces uncertainty and limits speculation about internal instability.
D’Amaro’s language also reflects what Disney believes its audience cares about. He talks about people, creativity and legacy in combination with growth and transformation.
His background in parks and guest experience helps reinforce that message. It signals that Disney sees its relationship with audiences as something built through experience and trust.
For PR and comms teams, sometimes the strongest signal you can send during a time of change is reassurance.
Disney framed this transition as thoughtful, values-driven and steady.
When leadership changes occur, tone is imperative. Disney’s approach shows how clear, human language can help protect brand confidence at a moment when people are paying very close attention.
Editor’s Top Reads:
- Mozilla is adding new AI controls to its Firefox browser, most notably a master switch that lets users turn off all generative AI features or manage them individually in settings. Starting with Firefox 148, which will launch later this month, per Mashable, Firefox will include a dedicated AI controls section where people can choose what AI-based features they want or choose none at all. These controls cover things like automatic page translations, AI-generated alt text in PDFs, smart tab suggestions, link previews and a sidebar AI chatbot. Mozilla says this approach reflects user feedback and its belief that AI should be optional, not forced on users. If more people turn off AI summaries, search becomes less about being filtered through an AI layer and more about earning trust directly. Users rely again on headlines, snippets, source credibility and ranking, which makes clear positioning and recognizable brands more important. It also raises the value of being the original source, not just content that feeds summaries, since people opting out of AI often want depth, context and clear explanations.
- SoulCycle, the indoor cycling brand that was once a defining fitness trend of the 2010s, is seeing renewed buzz online thanks to TikTok and the “2026 is the new 2016” trend. Fast Company reports that videos from creators praising SoulCycle’s vibe, especially its heyday around the 2016-era fitness culture, have gone viral, bringing stories, old photos and memories back into feeds and reminding people how the brand felt like a cultural moment. “Come with me to soulcycle as someone who was severely addicted…after a 6 year hiatus,” one TikTok user wrote. “Soul cycle is back btw.” Nostalgia can become a powerful tool when paired with the right platform and audience. This could be a great time for SoulCycle to join the conversation and revitalize itself with a new audience. Brands that listen closely and move quickly can turn nostalgia or social trends into momentum, and momentum into renewed cultural relevance.
- There’s a new social platform gaining attention. It’s called Moltbook, and unlike traditional social media, this one is for AI bots that interact like a community. CNN reports that Moltbook has gained attention for its novelty. The platform was created by entrepreneur Matt Schlicht, who told CNN that he started it out of curiosity with help from his personal AI assistant. He said he wanted to see what might happen if AI agents could interact in a dedicated forum. Schlicht shared that the project was experimental and “absolutely fascinating,” emphasizing that AI agents can produce surprising content when given space to interact. But the platform has also exposed serious security vulnerabilities. Users’ real email addresses and authentication tokens were found to be at risk, showing how quickly emerging tech can become a privacy and security concern, particularly when it’s not fully understood or tested. Security risks can become reputational risks almost instantly. Brands associated with AI tools or new platforms need to be ready to respond if a security issue emerges, even if the brand isn’t directly responsible. Messaging needs to be clear, proactive and transparent, showing stakeholders that privacy and safety are taken seriously. The Moltbook case shows that in the age of AI and rapid tech adoption, communicators must also anticipate and address potential vulnerabilities before they turn into public crises.
Courtney Blackann is a communications reporter. Connect with her on LinkedIn or email her at courtneyb@ragan.com.
The post The Scoop: Disney’s CEO pick signals continuity, culture and growth appeared first on PR Daily.
