By India McCarty
Disney is starting a round of layoffs this week that will leave around 1,000 workers without jobs.
“Over the past several months, we have looked at ways in which we can streamline our operations in various parts of the company to ensure we deliver the world-class creativity and innovation our fans value and expect from Disney,” company CEO Josh D’Amaro wrote in a memo to employees. “Given the fast-moving pace of our industries, this requires us to constantly assess how to foster a more agile and technologically-enabled workforce to meet tomorrow’s needs. As a result, we will be eliminating roles in some parts of the company and have begun notifying impacted employees.”
He continued, “I know this is hard. These decisions are not a reflection of their contributions, or of the overall strength of the company. Rather, they reflect our continual evaluation of how to more effectively manage our resources and reinvest in our businesses.”
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“Despite these difficult decisions, I remain optimistic about where we’re headed as a company. I’m deeply grateful for all of your contributions and for the dedication, professionalism, and care you bring to your work each day,” he concluded. “Even in challenging moments, you continue to demonstrate what makes Disney so special.”
Disney CEO Josh D’Amaro says layoffs impacting about 1,000 roles are underway this week as the company looks to “streamline our operations” across multiple divisions:
“Over the past several months, we have looked at ways in which we can streamline our operations in various parts… pic.twitter.com/kWuYW5KzRC
— Variety (@Variety) April 14, 2026
A source told The Hollywood Reporter “around 1,000 jobs are expected to be eliminated,” with cuts “expected in the company’s unified marketing organization…as well as in its studios and TV businesses, ESPN, product & technology, and certain corporate functions.”
D’Amaro started as CEO in March of this year following Bob Iger’s decision to step down.
“I am immensely grateful to the Board for entrusting me with leading a company that means so much to me and millions around the world,” he said in a statement posted to Disney’s website. “Disney’s strength has always come from our people and the creative excellence that defines our stories and experiences. There is no limit to what Disney can achieve, and I am excited to work with our teams across the company and brilliant creative partners to honor Disney’s remarkable legacy while continuing to innovate, grow, and deliver exceptional value for our consumers and shareholders. I also want to express my gratitude to Bob Iger for his generous mentorship, his friendship, and the profound impact of his leadership.”
This round of layoffs marks a major move early in D’Amaro’s tenure as CEO.
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