Disney Plans Major Layoffs Under New CEO: Reports

BURBANK, CA — The Walt Disney Co. is planning to lay off as many as 1,000 employees in the coming months as part of cost-cutting efforts under new CEO Josh D'Amaro, according to reports

Many of the job cuts are expected to come from Disney's recently consolidated marketing division, the Wall Street Journal reported, citing people familiar with the matter.

The layoffs would mark one of the first major moves under D'Amaro, who took over last month, although plans for the reductions began before he assumed the role, according to the report.

Disney did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Like other major entertainment companies, Disney has been grappling with lower profits from streaming compared to traditional television, along with weaker box office returns and increased competition from technology companies.

The company has also been consolidating operations across divisions in an effort to cut costs and invest more heavily in digital businesses, according to the report.

The planned cuts are a fraction of the size of those overseen by former CEO Bob Iger, D'Amaro's predecessor. Between 2023 and 2025, Disney laid off some 8,000 workers during multiple rounds of cuts, saving the company $7.5 billion, Deadline reported.

The company employed about 231,000 people at the end of its 2025 fiscal year, with the majority working in its division that oversees theme parks and consumer products.

City News Service contributed to this report.