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Disney’s Josh D’Amaro becomes CEO as company embarks on new chapter

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Disney's Josh D'Amaro becomes CEO as company embarks on new chapter

Larissa Manoela and Josh D’Amaro, Chairperson of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, wave to the audience after Panel Disney Experiences during Day 2 of the D23 Brazil: A Disney Experience at Transamerica Expo Center on November 09, 2024 in Sao Paulo, Brazil.

Ricardo Moreira | Getty Images

Disney is turning the page on a new chapter as Josh D’Amaro steps in as CEO of the media and theme park powerhouse.

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D’Amaro most recently served as chairman of Disney Experiences, which includes the company’s theme parks, cruise line, resorts and consumer products. He will officially succeed Bob Iger as chief executive during the company’s annual shareholder meeting on Wednesday.

The longtime Disney executive takes over after a period of uncertainty for the century-old company — including a closely watched succession race and a recent reorganization and turnaround — that has left it with a mixed reception from Wall Street.

Disney’s stock is down more than 10% year to date as of Tuesday’s close.

D’Amaro’s most immediate task will be sustaining momentum in Disney’s core growth areas. The company’s most recent quarterly earnings were lifted by its theme parks and streaming, the two areas that remain in focus for investors, industry peers and consumers alike.

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The company has recently embarked on a major investment in its theme parks, including an expansion with an Abu Dhabi theme park and resort, and has seen its streaming business reach consecutive quarters of profitability.

Disney also returned to the top of the box office with hits like “Lilo & Stitch,” “Zootopia” and “Avatar” in 2025.

Welcome wagon

In this handout image provided by Disneyland Resort, Disney Experiences Chairman Josh D’Amaro and The Walt Disney Company Chief Executive Officer Bob Iger speak during the 70th anniversary celebrations of Disneyland Resort on July 17, 2025 in Anaheim, California.

Handout | Getty Images Entertainment | Getty Images

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This is the second time Iger handed over the reins to a successor in roughly six years. He will remain as a Disney senior advisor and board member until he retires from the company on Dec. 31.

The storied CEO led Disney for roughly 20 years over the course of two stints at the top. In his first 15 years Iger was responsible for some of its biggest acquisitions like Marvel and Fox’s entertainment assets, as well as the launch of Disney+.

He stepped down in 2020, but his time away from the company was capped at two years following a handoff to Bob Chapek that was rife with drama.

In Disney’s February announcement of D’Amaro’s appointment, Iger called D’Amaro an “exceptional leader and the right person to become our next CEO.”

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D’Amaro, 55, has been at Disney since 1998 and has held a variety of roles at the company. Under his leadership, Disney’s theme parks division has blossomed into a driving force and an earnings driver.

Why Disney tapped Josh D’Amaro to take over for Bob Iger
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No Official Dates Announced Amid Widespread Fan Rumors and Speculation

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Eminem, pictured performing at the MTV Movie Awards at Nokia Theatre on April 13, 2014 in Los Angeles, is rumored to be playing the 2018 Bonnaroo festival.

Rap legend Eminem has yet to confirm any world tour dates for 2026, despite a flood of online rumors, fake announcements and fan-generated schedules circulating on social media and unofficial websites. As of mid-March 2026, the artist’s official website, Ticketmaster and Live Nation listings show no upcoming concerts or tour plans for Marshall Mathers, leaving fans eagerly awaiting word on whether the Detroit native will hit the road following his 2024 album “The Death of Slim Shady (Coup de Grâce).”

Eminem, pictured performing at the MTV Movie Awards at Nokia Theatre on April 13, 2014 in Los Angeles, is rumored to be playing the 2018 Bonnaroo festival.

Multiple Facebook posts, Instagram reels and fan sites claimed in early March that Eminem announced a major 2026 world tour, often describing 30-40 dates across North America, Europe and Australia. Some posts suggested kickoffs at London’s O2 Arena or Detroit’s Ford Field, with stops in New York, Tokyo, Berlin, Paris and Sydney. Others labeled it a “farewell” or “one last ride” tour, even naming hypothetical starts like April 12, 2026, at Ford Field and endings in October at Marvel Stadium in Melbourne. Several included detailed — but unverified — venue lists featuring stadiums like Soldier Field in Chicago, MetLife Stadium in New Jersey and Gillette Stadium in Massachusetts.

Reliable sources contradict these claims. Ticketmaster’s Eminem page lists zero upcoming concerts, stating “No Upcoming Concerts” and directing users to check back. Live Nation’s artist page for Eminem similarly shows no 2026 tour schedule. The official eminem.com site, last updated in March 2026 with merchandise news like Stan dog tag pendants and a February release of “The Shady LPs,” contains no tour announcements, dates or ticket information. Major ticketing platforms and promoter sites remain silent on any confirmed shows.

The surge in rumors appears tied to fan excitement after Eminem’s recent activity. His 2024 album, featuring the hit single “Houdini,” marked a conceptual close to his Slim Shady persona and included high-profile collaborations. A November 2025 Thanksgiving halftime show performance and ongoing merchandise drops have kept momentum alive. Fans on Reddit and X speculate that anniversary milestones — such as reflections on past albums — could prompt a tour announcement, but no credible leaks from Shady Records or Eminem’s team support 2026 plans.

Tribute acts and unofficial events add to the confusion. Listings for “The Eminem Experience,” Michael Mathers tributes and Shady tribute shows appear on Ticketmaster and other platforms for 2026 dates in the U.K., Europe and Canada, including stops in Norwich, Hertford and Las Vegas. These performances mimic Eminem’s style but are not affiliated with the artist, leading some to mistake them for official concerts.

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Eminem’s live history shows a selective approach. His last major tour was the 2019 *Rapture* run, with subsequent appearances limited to festivals, surprise sets and one-off events like Coachella. He has not embarked on a full world tour in recent years, preferring high-impact shows over extensive travel. This pattern fuels skepticism about large-scale 2026 plans, especially without official promotion or presale announcements.

Some viral posts suggest joint tours with Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg and 50 Cent, calling it “Hip-Hop’s Ultimate Global Takeover.” Community notes on platforms like Instagram flag these as unconfirmed, with no statements from any involved artists. Such collaborations would represent a massive event, but lack substantiation from verified channels.

For fans hoping to see Eminem live, monitoring official sources remains key. The artist’s website, social media accounts and trusted ticketing partners like Ticketmaster offer the only reliable updates. Past patterns show Eminem often announces tours with little advance warning, sometimes tied to new releases or special occasions.

As speculation builds, the absence of concrete dates highlights the gap between fan enthusiasm and official confirmation. Eminem’s enduring catalog — from early battle-rap roots to chart-topping anthems — keeps demand high, but until an announcement arrives, 2026 concert plans stay in the realm of rumor. Stans worldwide continue refreshing feeds, hoping the next update brings long-awaited stage returns.

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Should dates emerge, expect high demand for tickets, VIP packages and resale markets. For now, the word from Detroit is clear: no tour confirmed, but the conversation — and anticipation — rages on.

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Trump suspends Jones Act for 60 days in bid to boost oil flow to US

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Trump suspends Jones Act for 60 days in bid to boost oil flow to US

President Donald Trump has temporarily waived a century-old shipping law to allow oil and other resources to flow to the United States, a White House official told FOX Business on Wednesday.

Trump issued a 60-day waiver of the Jones Act, a mandate that only U.S. ships carry cargo between U.S. ports and stipulates that at least 75% of the crew members are American citizens. Additionally, it demands these ships are built in the U.S. and owned by U.S. citizens. 

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“President Trump’s decision to issue a 60-day Jones Act waiver is just another step to mitigate the short-term disruptions to the oil market as the U.S. military continues meeting the objectives of Operation Epic Fury,” White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said in a statement on X. “This action will allow vital resources like oil, natural gas, fertilizer, and coal to flow freely to U.S. ports for sixty days, and the Administration remains committed to continuing to strengthen our critical supply chains.”

The war with Iran has effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz, a vital oil chokepoint that sees ships carry about a fifth of the world’s oil out of the Gulf region. Iran’s stranglehold and threats to ships in the narrow passageway has sent oil prices above $100 per barrel.

US BUNKER-BUSTER BOMBS HAMMER IRANIAN ANTI-SHIP MISSILE SITES NEAR STRAIT OF HORMUZ

President Donald Trump at St. Patrick's Day event

President Donald Trump attends a St. Patrick’s Day reception, during Irish Taoiseach (Prime Minister) Micheal Martin’s visit, in the East Room at the White House in Washington, D.C., March 17, 2026.  (Reuters/Kylie Cooper / Reuters Photos)

Even with oil prices surging and appeals from Trump and Washington, U.S. allies are declining to take part in military efforts to secure the Strait of Hormuz.

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Trump on Wednesday appeared to call out these allies in a post on his Truth Social platform.

TRUMP WARNS NATO OF ‘VERY BAD’ FUTURE IF ALLIES DON’T HELP SECURE STRAIT OF HORMUZ

Strait of Hormuz at standstill

About 20% of the world’s oil supply crosses the Strait of Hormuz off the coast of Iran. The Iranian Regime is threatening to attack any vessels that cross the strait without permission.  (FOX / Fox News)

“I wonder what would happen if we ‘finished off’ what’s left of the Iranian Terror State, and let the Countries that use it, we don’t, be responsible for the so called ‘Straight?’ (sic) That would get some of our non-responsive ‘Allies’ in gear, and fast!!!” Trump wrote.

Proponents of the Jones Act claim it beefs up national security, prevents foreign countries from accessing the U.S. and protects the American shipbuilding sector.

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Critics, however, argue that the 1920s law is outdated and hampers competitiveness in the industry while driving up shipbuilding costs.

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Previous instances in which the Jones Act has been temporarily waived include responses to major hurricanes, such as Hurricane Katrina in 2005 and Hurricanes Harvey and Irma in 2017.

This is a developing news story; check back for updates.

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Saffron Road introducing Crossroads

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Saffron Road introducing Crossroads

The launch includes five high-protein meals.  

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Disney CEO Josh D’Amaro takes helm as company leans on parks, faces AI disruption

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Disney CEO Josh D’Amaro takes helm as company leans on parks, faces AI disruption

Josh D’Amaro officially assumed the role of Disney chief executive on Wednesday, taking charge of the company as it confronts a rapidly shifting entertainment landscape shaped by artificial intelligence, changing consumer behavior and pressure across its legacy media businesses.

His succession of Bob Iger follows a run leading Disney’s parks, experiences and products division – a segment that has become central to the company’s financial performance. The unit accounted for 57% of Disney’s $17.5 billion in profit last year, highlighting a growing reliance on theme parks and tourism as other areas face headwinds.

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That dynamic is expected to shape investor expectations early in D’Amaro’s tenure. Market participants are looking for clarity on how Disney plans to adapt to advances in AI, which are poised to alter content production, distribution and monetization, while also intensifying competition from digital-first platforms.

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Josh D'Amaro

Josh D’Amaro officially took over the CEO role on Wednesday. (David Paul Morris/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

At the same time, Disney continues to grapple with internal pressures. Its traditional television networks remain in decline, and some of its biggest film franchises have delivered lackluster results at the box office. The company is also competing more directly with platforms such as YouTube and TikTok for audience attention, forcing a broader rethink of its content strategy.

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D’Amaro’s appointment also revives comparisons to former CEO Bob Chapek, another executive who rose through the parks division before a short-lived tenure that ended with Iger returning to the role in late 2022.

Iger will remain on Disney’s board through the end of the year. His return came during a turbulent period, when Disney shares had fallen sharply amid concerns about losses in its streaming business and broader questions about long-term strategy.

Disney CEO Bob Iger waves

Former CEO Bob Iger will remain on Disney’s board through the end of 2026. (David Paul Morris/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

During his second stint as CEO, Iger restructured the company to give greater authority to creative leaders and worked to improve the economics of Disney’s streaming operations. His leadership was credited with helping Disney stay competitive in a rapidly evolving media landscape. 

Operationally, Disney expanded its investment in its parks and cruise businesses with a $60 billion commitment, while also advancing its direct-to-consumer strategy through the launch of an ESPN streaming service and a partnership with OpenAI. The company also produced multiple billion-dollar box office releases during that period.

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D’Amaro previously led Disney’s parks, experiences and products division. (Patrick T. Fallon/AFP via Getty Images)

Even so, Disney’s financial performance has trailed the broader market. The company’s return on invested capital during Iger’s tenure was about 11%, compared with 77% for the S&P 500, according to LSEG data. Its valuation remains below recent averages, reflecting continued investor caution.

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D’Amaro now inherits that strategic framework at a time when those priorities are being tested by artificial intelligence and shifting consumer behavior. His ability to balance Disney’s high-margin parks business with the demands of a transforming media ecosystem is likely to define the company’s next phase of growth.

Reuters contributed to this report. 

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Form 144 Vita Coco Company For: 18 March

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Form 144 Vita Coco Company For: 18 March

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Slideshow: Buzzing with energy innovations

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Slideshow: Buzzing with energy innovations

Manufacturers are leaning into energy-focused product launches.

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Bilibili: Still A 'Buy' Amid DAU Growth And Ad Surge

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Bilibili: Still A 'Buy' Amid DAU Growth And Ad Surge

Bilibili: Still A 'Buy' Amid DAU Growth And Ad Surge

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Rolls-Royce scraps 2030 all-electric target amid weaker EV demand

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Rolls-Royce scraps 2030 all-electric target amid weaker EV demand

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars has abandoned its ambition to become a fully electric brand by 2030, marking a significant shift in strategy as the global transition to electric vehicles shows signs of slowing at the very top end of the automotive market.

The decision, confirmed by chief executive Chris Brownridge, reverses a high-profile commitment made in 2022 under his predecessor Torsten Müller-Ötvös, who had pledged that Rolls-Royce would cease production of its iconic V12 combustion engines by the end of the decade.

At the time, the company positioned its first electric model, the Spectre, as the beginning of a rapid transition, targeting 20 per cent of annual sales in the near term and as much as 70 per cent by 2028. The long-term ambition was clear: a complete shift away from internal combustion engines within eight years.

However, Brownridge has now acknowledged that the assumptions underpinning that strategy have changed materially. He pointed to a combination of softened customer appetite for fully electric luxury vehicles and a broader easing of regulatory pressure in key markets.

“For every client that loves an electric vehicle there is one who does not,” he said, underlining the continued demand among Rolls-Royce’s ultra-high-net-worth clientele for traditional powertrains. “Some clients do want an electric vehicle, we build what is ordered.”

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The recalibration reflects a wider industry trend, particularly among premium and luxury manufacturers, where the pace of electrification is proving more uneven than previously anticipated. While mass-market brands continue to push towards electrification, high-end marques are increasingly adopting a more flexible, demand-led approach.

Brownridge was careful not to outline a revised electrification timeline, declining to specify new targets for zero-emission sales or confirm how many additional electric models Rolls-Royce plans to introduce. Nor did he disclose current sales performance for the Spectre, though its market reception has been closely watched as a bellwether for electric adoption in the luxury segment.

Instead, the emphasis appears to be shifting towards optionality rather than outright transition. The V12 engine, long synonymous with Rolls-Royce’s heritage and brand identity, will remain part of the company’s offering for the foreseeable future.

“The V12 is part of our history,” Brownridge said, suggesting that legacy and customer preference are now being given equal weight alongside environmental considerations.

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The move comes amid a broader reassessment of electric vehicle strategies across the luxury automotive sector. Just a day earlier, Bentley confirmed that its own transition to an all-electric lineup would be delayed, with its first zero-emission model now expected at least two years later than originally planned.

Together, the announcements highlight a growing divergence between policy ambition and market reality. While governments continue to push for decarbonisation, including through bans on new petrol and diesel vehicles in the 2030s, manufacturers are increasingly signalling that consumer demand, particularly at the premium end, may not align neatly with those timelines.

Rolls-Royce’s original 2030 commitment was made at a time of strong political momentum behind electrification and rising optimism about battery technology, infrastructure rollout and customer adoption. Since then, a more complex picture has emerged, with concerns around charging infrastructure, range anxiety and the experiential differences between electric and combustion engines influencing buyer behaviour.

In the ultra-luxury segment, where emotional connection and heritage play a significant role in purchasing decisions, those factors appear to be even more pronounced.

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Despite stepping back from a fixed deadline, Rolls-Royce is not abandoning electrification altogether. The Spectre remains a central part of its future portfolio, and the company is expected to continue investing in electric technology. However, the transition will now be paced according to customer demand rather than dictated by a hard deadline.

The shift underscores a broader reality facing the automotive industry: the road to electrification is unlikely to be linear. For Rolls-Royce, the strategy now appears to be one of balance, preserving its legacy while adapting to a changing, but still uncertain, future.


Paul Jones

Harvard alumni and former New York Times journalist. Editor of Business Matters for over 15 years, the UKs largest business magazine. I am also head of Capital Business Media’s automotive division working for clients such as Red Bull Racing, Honda, Aston Martin and Infiniti.

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lululemon: A Generational Buy At These Levels

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lululemon: A Generational Buy At These Levels

lululemon: A Generational Buy At These Levels

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The Hershey Co. adds edible straw flavor

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The Hershey Co. adds edible straw flavor

The dirty soda flavor is available while supplies last. 

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