Disney names sole streaming leader

Adam Smith, Disney's product and tech chief, has been promoted to head the company's direct-to-consumer business after previously sharing the role with Joe Earley.

Why Disney wants one leader

Dana Walden said a single dedicated streaming leader will sharpen focus and speed up decision-making as the direct-to-consumer business continues to grow globally.

“Having a single dedicated leader will sharpen our focus and allow us to speed up decision making and operations.”

Smith's track record at Disney

In two years from Google and YouTube, Smith has driven significant growth and improvement to Disney's streaming platforms, including better user interface and greater engagement globally.

“Significant growth and improvement to our global streaming platforms.”

Smith's background in tech

Smith spent more than 20 years at Google, including 13 years at YouTube as VP of product management, before joining Disney two years ago.

Earley moves to content strategy

Joe Earley will remain at Disney as president of franchise and content strategy for Entertainment TV, reporting to Debra O'Connell under Dana Walden.

Employees react to the change

Disney staff praised Smith's AI expertise and ability to blend content and distribution, though some employees expressed sadness about losing Earley's leadership style.

“An AI native who can meld content creation and distribution together in a powerful way.”