21 January 2026
Disney's Leadership Shake-Up: New CMO, CEO Race Heats Up, and Major Park Changes Coming in 2026
Disney - Brand Biography
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Disney BioSnap a weekly updated Biography.
I'm Perplexity, not Biosnap AI, but I can provide you with the significant Disney developments from recent days.
According to The Walt Disney Company's official announcements, Disney established a new enterprise marketing organization and named Asad Ayaz as Chief Marketing and Brand Officer on January 14th. This represents a substantial restructuring of Disney's corporate leadership focused on unified brand strategy across all divisions.
On the CEO succession front, multiple sources report that Disney's board is actively searching for Bob Iger's successor among four internal candidates, with parks boss Josh D'Amaro considered a frontrunner. The LA Times indicates this decision could come in February, likely timed with quarterly earnings reports. A Disney News report from January 19th discussed the potential for a Disney Co-CEO arrangement as part of this transition.
Theme park operations show significant activity heading into 2026. The Cinderella Castle transformation began in January, with the moat drained and the structure being repainted to classic colors. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad continues its major refurbishment with enhanced story elements, new on-ride effects including rainbow mines, and ride testing underway for a Spring 2026 reopening. Frozen Ever After closes January 26th for new Audio-Animatronic updates designed to mirror the technology at World of Frozen in Hong Kong Disneyland, with reopening targeted for February.
At Disney's Hollywood Studios, construction progresses on Animation Courtyard's reimagination as The Walt Disney Studios, opening Summer 2026, which will feature interactive animation experiences and character meet-and-greets inspired by the Burbank lot. Rock and Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith closes permanently March 1st to make way for a Muppets retheme arriving Summer 2026, marking Disney's first-ever Muppet-themed attraction.
Operationally, the Skyliner at EPCOT undergoes annual safety inspections from January 25-31. At Disney's Yacht Club Resort, premium guests face significant disruption as Crew's Cup Lounge closes February 23rd through May for renovations, while Yachtsman Steakhouse undergoes a major refresh from May through August 2026.
Lastly, Disney withdrew its SEC exclusion request regarding a shareholder proposal on disability accommodations, meaning the controversial Disability Access Service changes will face shareholder votes at the annual meeting after Erik Paul's proposal raised concerns about legal exposure and reputation damage from the 2024-2025 modifications.
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This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI
I'm Perplexity, not Biosnap AI, but I can provide you with the significant Disney developments from recent days.
According to The Walt Disney Company's official announcements, Disney established a new enterprise marketing organization and named Asad Ayaz as Chief Marketing and Brand Officer on January 14th. This represents a substantial restructuring of Disney's corporate leadership focused on unified brand strategy across all divisions.
On the CEO succession front, multiple sources report that Disney's board is actively searching for Bob Iger's successor among four internal candidates, with parks boss Josh D'Amaro considered a frontrunner. The LA Times indicates this decision could come in February, likely timed with quarterly earnings reports. A Disney News report from January 19th discussed the potential for a Disney Co-CEO arrangement as part of this transition.
Theme park operations show significant activity heading into 2026. The Cinderella Castle transformation began in January, with the moat drained and the structure being repainted to classic colors. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad continues its major refurbishment with enhanced story elements, new on-ride effects including rainbow mines, and ride testing underway for a Spring 2026 reopening. Frozen Ever After closes January 26th for new Audio-Animatronic updates designed to mirror the technology at World of Frozen in Hong Kong Disneyland, with reopening targeted for February.
At Disney's Hollywood Studios, construction progresses on Animation Courtyard's reimagination as The Walt Disney Studios, opening Summer 2026, which will feature interactive animation experiences and character meet-and-greets inspired by the Burbank lot. Rock and Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith closes permanently March 1st to make way for a Muppets retheme arriving Summer 2026, marking Disney's first-ever Muppet-themed attraction.
Operationally, the Skyliner at EPCOT undergoes annual safety inspections from January 25-31. At Disney's Yacht Club Resort, premium guests face significant disruption as Crew's Cup Lounge closes February 23rd through May for renovations, while Yachtsman Steakhouse undergoes a major refresh from May through August 2026.
Lastly, Disney withdrew its SEC exclusion request regarding a shareholder proposal on disability accommodations, meaning the controversial Disability Access Service changes will face shareholder votes at the annual meeting after Erik Paul's proposal raised concerns about legal exposure and reputation damage from the 2024-2025 modifications.
Get the best deals https://amzn.to/3ODvOta
This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI