Disney is preparing for a new round of cost-cutting measures that could result in as many as 1,000 layoffs, according to a person familiar with the matter. The move comes shortly after Josh D’Amaro stepped into the role of CEO in mid-March.
Marketing Division Most Affected
The job reductions are expected to primarily impact Disney’s marketing department, which was recently consolidated under Asad Ayaz. He was appointed chief marketing and brand officer in January and now oversees marketing across Disney’s entertainment, sports, and experiences divisions under a unified structure.
This change marked the first time Disney brought all marketing operations under a single leadership role, reporting to both D’Amaro and Dana Walden, the company’s president and chief creative officer.
Leadership Transition and Restructuring
The restructuring began during Bob Iger’s earlier return as CEO in 2022, when he led a major turnaround plan aimed at improving performance and reducing costs. That effort included a broad reorganization, billions in planned savings, and thousands of job cuts across the company.
D’Amaro’s appointment as CEO followed a period of internal restructuring and leadership transition within the company’s top ranks.
Ongoing Financial Adjustments
Disney has continued adjusting its business structure as it focuses on long-term growth in streaming, studios, ESPN’s digital transformation, and its theme park operations. Earlier cost-cutting efforts in 2023 already eliminated thousands of roles as part of a multi-billion-dollar savings strategy.
The latest round of layoffs reflects continued efforts to streamline operations and improve efficiency across divisions.
