Massachusetts Native Chosen as New CEO of Walt Disney Company

It's a Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Da day for a Massachusetts native who was selected to take over as the master of the House of Mouse in March.

Josh D'Amaro will have some pretty large mouse ears to fill as he steps in to replace long-time Walt Disney Company CEO Bob Iger, who recently announced his retirement.

The 54-year-old D'Amaro graduated from Medfield High School in Medfield, Massachusetts, in 1989.

Who Is Josh D'Amaro, the New Disney CEO?

Boston 25 News reports D'Amaro "played on the basketball and soccer teams and was named best dressed." According to the station, "D'Amaro's nickname back in high school was 'Chief.'"

After graduation, D'Amaro attended Georgetown, where Boston.com says "he earned a bachelor's degree in Business Administration." D'Amaro "worked as a financial planner for the Gillette Company in Boston," according to Boston.com, before joining Disney in 1998.

What Is D'Amaro's Outlook for Disney?

D'Amaro gave his first interview since his promotion to ABC World News Tonight (Disney is ABC's parent company), telling anchor David Muir, "Of course, I feel the weight on my shoulders. I think I should feel it."

"I just feel so fortunate to be in a position to be able to be that next steward for the brand into the next 100 years," D'Amaro said.

A Walt Disney Company bio says, "Josh D'Amaro is Chairman of Disney Experiences, a creative engine and long-term growth driver for The Walt Disney Company that brings its powerful stories to life for consumers, gamers, and travelers around the world, creating magical memories that last a lifetime."

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"The reason this company is so special is because of how creative we are and the human beings that are generating that creativity," D'Amaro told ABC.

With a little pixie dust and a few bibbidi-bobbidi-boos, D'Amaro will lead The Walt Disney Company for many years to come.