Adam Smith takes streaming helm

Adam Smith, who joined Disney from YouTube in August 2024, is now chairman of direct-to-consumer for Disney Entertainment. He'll oversee Disney+, Hulu, and the company's global streaming strategy.

“Adam has done an exceptional job building a world-class team of product and technology leaders.”

Smith's YouTube pedigree

Smith spent more than two decades at Google and YouTube, most recently as vice president of product management overseeing music, premium subscriptions, and commerce since 2016.

Joe Earley moves to content strategy

Joe Earley, who was co-president of direct-to-consumer, will now become president of Disney Entertainment Television franchise and content strategy, reporting to Debra OConnell.

Eric Schrier exits operations

Eric Schrier, who spent 26 years at Disney including as an early architect of FX, is leaving his role as head of DTC international originals. He'll pursue a producing deal with Disney Entertainment instead.

“Eric has decided this is the right moment to pursue that next chapter.”

Disney+ becomes digital centerpiece

The leadership consolidation reflects Disney's strategy to make Disney+ its primary digital platform. The company has emphasized this goal on recent earnings calls.

Broader leadership reshuffling

Disney has announced multiple executive changes since January, including its first chief technology officer, Karandeep Anand, and new heads of marketing technology and consumer products marketing.