Disney has revealed a lavish remuneration package for incoming chief executive Josh D’Amaro, who will assume leadership of the entertainment giant next month as Bob Iger steps aside after a long tenure at the helm.

Regulatory filings show D’Amaro, currently in charge of Disney’s global theme parks business, will receive a base salary of about A$3.8 million a year. On taking over the top job, he will also be paid a one-off cash bonus worth roughly A$14.8 million. In addition, his annual long-term equity incentives are valued at around A$39.7 million.

On top of that, D’Amaro is eligible for a yearly bonus of up to 250 per cent of his base salary, provided he meets specific performance benchmarks set by the board. His appointment as chief executive is scheduled to take effect next month.

Dana Walden, who was widely tipped as a leading contender to succeed Iger, has instead accepted a newly created role as president and chief creative officer. Her total annual compensation package is valued at about A$36.4 million.

From left: James Gorman, Disney chairperson; Josh D’Amaro; Dana Walden; and Bob Iger

Under the terms of her new agreement, Walden will earn a base salary of approximately A$5.7 million, receive a one-time award worth about A$8 million and be granted stock incentives valued at roughly A$23.8 million each year. She can also qualify for a bonus of up to 200 per cent of her base pay, along with an additional performance-based payment linked to the success of Disney’s original film and television releases. Her contract runs through to March 17, 2030.

Iger will officially relinquish the chief executive role on March 18 and transition into a senior adviser position. He is expected to remain on Disney’s board until December 31, after which he will retire fully from the company.

Disney’s board confirmed D’Amaro as Iger’s successor earlier this week. Internally, he is regarded as a popular and approachable leader, particularly among frontline staff and management within the parks division. He is known for spending time on the ground, engaging directly with employees and emphasising company culture and morale.

Walden, meanwhile, has built a reputation as one of Disney’s most influential creative figures. Since joining the company in 2019 following the Fox acquisition, she has overseen major television, streaming and content operations. Colleagues credit her with helping to steady Disney’s entertainment business during a challenging period marked by restructuring, strategic shifts and fierce competition across the global media landscape.