"I Know This Is Hard": Disney CEO Josh D'Amaro Shares Memo with Employees Ahead of Layoffs

Disney CEO Josh D'Amaro is making his first big move to "streamline our operations," sharing a memo with employees announcing layoffs this week.

What's Happening:

• As expected thanks to an earlier report, it seems that the elimination of 1,000 roles at the Walt Disney Company is expected to start this week.
• The move, according to new CEO Josh D'Amaro, is intended to "streamline our operations in various parts of the company."
• Variety is reporting that most of these positions will span marketing functions across Disney's studios, TV networks, ESPN, and more, as a result of the company's formation of one consolidated marketing division under new chief marketing and brand officer, Asad Ayaz.
• D'Amaro has shared the news via a memo sent to Disney employees earlier today (April 14), saying that he "wants to be open about some difficult news that will be communicated this week."
• You can read his full memo below.

The Memo:

Dear Fellow Employees & Cast Members,

We have experienced a great deal of change these last few years, both at the company and across our industries. Knowing firsthand how these moments can bring uncertainty, I want to be open about some difficult news that will be communicated this week.

In January, we announced our unified enterprise marketing and brand organization, designed to serve consumers in an even more connected way. Over the past several months, we have looked at ways in which we can streamline our operations in various parts of the company to ensure we deliver the world-class creativity and innovation our fans value and expect from Disney. Given the fast-moving pace of our industries, this requires us to constantly assess how to foster a more agile and technologically-enabled workforce to meet tomorrow’s needs. As a result, we will be eliminating roles in some parts of the company and have begun notifying impacted employees.

I know this is hard. Those that will be leaving us have done meaningful work here and care deeply about this company. These decisions are not a reflection of their contributions, or of the overall strength of the company. Rather, they reflect our continual evaluation of how to more effectively manage our resources and reinvest in our businesses.

Compassion and respect remain at the heart of our company. As we move forward through this transition, our priority is to support those impacted and help each person navigate what comes next with resources, guidance, and direct support.

Despite these difficult decisions, I remain optimistic about where we’re headed as a company. I’m deeply grateful for all of your contributions and for the dedication, professionalism, and care you bring to your work each day. Even in challenging moments, you continue to demonstrate what makes Disney so special.

Josh

D'Amaro at Disney:

• D’Amaro earned his business administration degree from Georgetown University in 1993, before beginning a career at Disney in 1998. He worked as vice president of sales and travel trade marketing for 10 years before taking on the role of Chief Financial Officer of Disney Consumer Products Global Strategy.
• In 2010, D’Amaro transitioned into Disney Experiences, where he was tapped to serve as vice president of Adventures by Disney. He held the role for three years before taking on the role of Vice President of Disney’s Animal Kingdom. In 2014, D’Amaro took on the role of Senior Vice President of Resort & Transportation Operations. After three years, D’Amaro bounced around in huge leadership roles at the US Disney Parks, starting as COO of Walt Disney World in 2017.
• His final positions prior to becoming head of Disney Experiences were his roles as Disneyland Resort President from 2018 to 2019 and Walt Disney World Resort President from 2019 to 2020. In these roles, he was praised by both guests and cast members for his active leadership. D’Amaro was often seen roaming the parks, engaging with cast members and high-fiving fans before park opening. As former Disney CEO Bob Chapek took over the company in 2020, D'Amaro was elevated to chairman of Disney Experiences, before ultimately landing the top spot as Disney CEO, taking over the role from Former CEO Bob Iger in his second stint last month.