Disney to Lay Off Several Hundred Employees in HR, IT Departments, Variety Reports

The Walt Disney Company is laying off several hundred employees across multiple divisions, including its human resources and IT departments, according to a report from Variety. The move marks the latest round of job cuts at the media conglomerate as it continues to navigate a period of corporate restructuring and industry-wide challenges.

Details of the Reduction

Variety reported the development on Tuesday, citing a source familiar with the matter. The layoffs appear to be concentrated in corporate functions, distinct from the company's creative studios or theme park operations. According to the source material, Disney did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment on the reported cuts.

A Pattern of Restructuring

This latest workforce reduction is part of a broader, ongoing effort by Disney to streamline operations and reduce costs. It follows several larger rounds of layoffs in recent years:

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• In 2023, the company cut 7,000 jobs as part of a major initiative under former CEO Bob Iger to achieve $5.5 billion in cost savings.
• In April, Disney eliminated approximately 1,000 positions across its marketing group, studio and television businesses, and ESPN.
• The company also executed cuts last year affecting several hundred employees in its film and TV marketing, publicity, and development divisions, as reported by Reuters.

Context and Company Outlook

The cuts come as new CEO Josh D’Amaro, who took the helm in March, steers the company through a transformational period. Disney is contending with significant industry headwinds, including declining traditional box office revenue, intense competition from streaming rivals, and the potential impact of artificial intelligence. As of its 2025 fiscal year-end, Disney employed about 231,000 people worldwide.