Disney to Implement Significant Layoffs Under New CEO
Disney is gearing up for substantial job cuts in the near future as newly appointed CEO Josh D’Amaro reshapes the company. Reports indicate that around 1,000 employees are expected to be laid off.
The majority of these layoffs will occur within the marketing sector. The Wall Street Journal highlights Disney’s struggle against growing competition from the likes of Amazon and YouTube in the technology and streaming arenas.
D’Amaro recently stepped into the CEO position, taking over from Bob Iger in February. After a unanimous vote by the board, D’Amaro’s appointment marked a significant leadership shift.
It’s worth noting that these layoffs were already part of the plan before D’Amaro assumed the role. Since Iger’s return as CEO in 2022, Disney has already laid off over 8,000 workers.
Most job cuts have come from entertainment, ESPN, and corporate operations. However, the company’s theme parks and cruise lines continue to thrive, maintaining a workforce of approximately 231,000 employees at the end of fiscal year 2025.
Disney operates iconic locations such as Disney World in Orlando and Disneyland in Anaheim, both of which remain key attractions.
Before being named CEO, D’Amaro held various roles within the company, including overseeing parks and cruises, consumer products, and Walt Disney Imagineering. He began his career at Disneyland back in 1998. Earlier this year, he mentioned that Disney is positioned for growth while others in the industry are consolidating.
Disney is not alone in making cuts; Sony and Bad Robot have also announced job reductions. Sony, in particular, has trimmed hundreds of positions as part of a strategic refocus on PlayStation and anime content.
