The Walt Disney Company Begins Layoffs of 1,000 Employees Under New CEO Josh D’Amaro
Last Updated on April 16, 2026 by Bella
The Walt Disney Company has begun a new round of layoffs, with approximately 1,000 employees affected as part of a broader effort to restructure and streamline operations.
The move marks the first major organizational shift under CEO Josh D’Amaro, who stepped into the role in March 2026 following the departure of Bob Iger.
Why Disney Is Cutting Jobs
According to internal communications, the layoffs are tied to the creation of a unified enterprise marketing and brand division, aimed at improving how Disney connects with audiences across its platforms.
This new structure will consolidate marketing efforts across:
- Film studios
- Television networks
- ESPN
- Product and technology teams
- Corporate departments
The goal, leadership says, is to create a more agile and technologically advanced organization capable of adapting to a rapidly changing entertainment landscape.
“I Know This Is Hard”
In a memo to employees, D’Amaro acknowledged the difficulty of the decision.
“I know this is hard,” he wrote, emphasizing that the layoffs are not a reflection of individual performance or contributions.
Instead, he framed the move as part of an ongoing effort to better manage resources and invest in the company’s future.
“These decisions reflect our continual evaluation of how to more effectively manage our resources and reinvest in our businesses,” he explained.
A Shift Toward Efficiency
Disney has undergone significant transformation in recent years, driven by:
- The rise of streaming platforms
- Changes in consumer behavior
- Increasing competition in the entertainment industry
To stay competitive, the company is focusing on efficiency, integration, and innovation.
The newly formed marketing division, led by Chief Marketing and Brand Officer Asad Ayaz, is central to this strategy.
By consolidating teams, Disney aims to deliver more cohesive messaging and strengthen its global brand presence.
Impact Across the Company
The layoffs are expected to affect multiple departments, particularly within marketing functions.
With a workforce of approximately 231,000 employees as of late 2025, the cuts represent a relatively small percentage—but they still have a significant impact on those affected.
Disney has stated that it plans to provide support and resources to employees during the transition, including guidance and assistance as they move forward.
A New Era Under D’Amaro
This restructuring effort signals a new chapter for Disney under D’Amaro’s leadership.
Having previously served as chairman of Disney Experiences, he brings a strong background in operations and customer engagement.
His early actions as CEO suggest a focus on:
- Streamlining operations
- Leveraging technology
- Strengthening direct-to-consumer strategies
While the layoffs are a difficult step, they are also seen as part of a broader plan to position Disney for long-term growth.
Industry-Wide Trends
Disney is not alone in making such changes.
Across the media and tech industries, companies are reassessing their structures to remain competitive in a digital-first world.
Layoffs, restructuring, and consolidation have become common as organizations adapt to new economic and technological realities.
Final Thoughts
The decision by The Walt Disney Company to lay off 1,000 employees underscores the challenges facing even the largest players in the entertainment industry.
While the company emphasizes efficiency and future growth, the human impact of these changes cannot be overlooked.
As Josh D’Amaro leads Disney into its next phase, the focus will be on balancing innovation with responsibility—ensuring that the magic the brand is known for continues to resonate with audiences worldwide.
TL;DR
- The Walt Disney Company is laying off around 1,000 employees as part of restructuring
- The move is led by new CEO Josh D’Amaro to streamline operations
- Layoffs are mainly tied to a new unified marketing and brand division
- Cuts will impact teams across studios, TV, ESPN, tech, and corporate functions
- Disney says the decision is about efficiency and future growth, not employee performance
- Disney is restructuring to become more agile, but the layoffs reflect ongoing industry-wide changes and cost optimization
