Disney Layoffs: Several Hundred Workers Cut in Tech, HR

Disney, under the leadership of CEO Josh D'Amaro, has initiated another round of layoffs affecting several hundred employees. These cuts are a smaller scale compared to the previous two rounds, primarily impacting departments such as tech and HR, while Disney Entertainment Television and the motion picture studio have largely avoided these reductions.

This latest wave of layoffs follows Disney's August offer of early retirement packages to veteran employees in an attempt to reduce costs and redirect resources towards content, technology, and experiences. Chief People Officer Sonia Coleman had previously stated that involuntary staff reductions would continue into the following year.

In April, 1,000 employees were let go, affecting various divisions including publicity, Marvel, and some top executives under Asad Ayaz, Disney's chief marketing and brand officer. In July, additional cuts were made, impacting numerous employees across departments such as corporate functions, ESPN, Disney Entertainment Television, and Disney Studios, with Pixar and National Geographic being particularly affected.

As of the end of the fiscal year 2025, Disney employed a total of 231,000 individuals, with 172,000 based in the United States and 59,000 in other locations.