What are the main challenges for Disney's new CEO Josh D'Amaro?

Josh D'Amaro faces challenges in gaining acceptance from Hollywood due to his parks background, navigating intense competition in the streaming market, and addressing concerns about park pricing and past project failures.

How is Disney adapting to the streaming wars under its new leadership?

Disney is striving to compete with streaming services like Netflix by managing declining cinema attendance and cord-cutting, while also leveraging its own platforms like Disney+ and Hulu.

Will video games become a greater focus for Disney?

Yes, after investing $1.5 billion into Epic Games in 2024, Disney recognizes the significant screen time audiences dedicate to video games and aims to have a compelling presence in the market.

Home / Arts and Entertainment / Disney's New CEO: Hollywood's Biggest Test?

Disney's New CEO: Hollywood's Biggest Test?

3 Feb

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Summary

New CEO Josh D'Amaro must win over Hollywood despite parks focus.
Disney faces intense competition from streaming giants like Netflix.
Video games represent a significant growth opportunity for Disney.

Disney's New CEO: Hollywood's Biggest Test?

Josh D'Amaro has taken the helm as Disney's new CEO, facing immediate scrutiny regarding his leadership approach and priorities. A key challenge involves endearing himself to Hollywood's power brokers, given his extensive experience in the company's lucrative parks division rather than film and television production. This necessitates a strategic 'listening tour' to build relationships with industry figures and stars crucial for franchise success.

Disney's market position is under pressure from evolving entertainment consumption habits and aggressive competition, particularly from streaming services like Netflix. The company must balance declining cinema attendance and cord-cutting with its own streaming ambitions on Disney+ and Hulu. Potential consolidation, such as Netflix acquiring Warner Bros., could introduce even more formidable rivals with vast content libraries.

Furthermore, D'Amaro is tasked with evaluating Disney's strategic investments, notably the $1.5 billion poured into Epic Games in 2024. Recognizing the substantial screen time Gen Z, Alpha, and Millennials dedicate to video games, Disney aims to establish a significant presence in this estimated $564 billion market.