Disney will cut jobs this week in various departments within the company to “streamline operations,” CEO Josh D’Amaro said in a memo to employees on Tuesday.
The media company will cut about 1,000 positions, largely as a result of Disney creating an integrated enterprise marketing division under the leadership of marketing and brand chief Asad Ayaz, according to people familiar with the matter. The layoffs will span Disney studios, television networks, ESPN, products and technology, and marketing departments across the corporate group, the person added.
In a memo to employees, D’Amaro said the integrated enterprise marketing and brand organization is “designed to serve consumers in a more connected way.”
“Over the past several months, we have been looking at ways to streamline operations across various departments within the company to ensure we are delivering the world-class creativity and innovation that our fans appreciate and expect from Disney,” he said in the memo. “Given the rapid changes in our industry, we must constantly evaluate how to develop a more agile, technology-enabled workforce to meet tomorrow’s needs. As a result, we have eliminated roles in some departments within our company and have begun notifying affected employees.”
“I know this is difficult,” D’Amaro wrote. “These decisions do not reflect their contributions or the overall strength of the company. Rather, they reflect our ongoing evaluation of how we can more effectively manage and reinvest our resources in the business.”
Disney reported that it had approximately 231,000 full-time and part-time employees as of September 2025 (fiscal year end).
This is the first major restructuring move under D’Amaro, who took over as Disney CEO from Bob Iger on March 18. Mr. D’Amaro previously served as chairman of Disney Experience, Inc.
Read Mr. D’Amaro’s memo on layoffs.
Dear employees and cast members,
Over the past few years, we have experienced significant changes within our company and across the industry. Because I know firsthand how uncertain these moments can be, I want to open up about some difficult news that will be delivered this week.
In January, we announced a unified enterprise marketing and brand organization aimed at serving consumers in a more connected way. Over the past few months, we’ve been looking at ways to streamline operations across various departments within our company to ensure we deliver the world-class creativity and innovation that our fans appreciate and expect from Disney. Given the rapid changes in our industry, we must constantly evaluate how to develop a more agile, technology-enabled workforce to meet tomorrow’s needs. As a result, we have eliminated roles in some departments within the company and initiated notifications to affected employees.
I know this is difficult. The people who leave us have meaningful work here and care deeply about this company. These decisions do not reflect their contributions or the strength of the company as a whole. Rather, they reflect an ongoing evaluation of how to more effectively manage and reinvest resources into the business.
Caring and respect remain at the heart of our company. As we navigate this transition, our priority is to support those affected and help them navigate what comes next with resources, guidance, and direct support.
Despite these difficult decisions, I remain optimistic about where we are heading as a company. We deeply appreciate your contributions and the dedication, professionalism, and consideration you bring to your work every day. Even in difficult moments, you continue to demonstrate what makes Disney special.
josh
