Disney Entertainment has named Adam Smith chairman of Direct-to-Consumer, giving him full oversight of Disney+ and Hulu. Dana Walden, Disney’s president and chief creative officer, announced the move on September 17, along with a newly created role for Joe Earley.
Smith and Earley had been co-presidents of Direct-to-Consumer since March. Smith now runs the business alone, while Earley becomes president of Disney Entertainment Television Franchise and Content Strategy.
What Smith Will Oversee
As chairman, Smith is responsible for Disney’s global entertainment streaming business. His remit covers product, engineering, advertising technology, programming strategy, viewer experience, partnerships, and data and analytics across Disney+ and Hulu, along with emerging technologies.
Walden said Smith has spent the past two years building a team of product and technology leaders and has significantly improved the Disney+ experience around the world. She said she and Alan Bergman believe he is the right leader “to meet the critical moment we’re in.”
Smith said the goal is to make Disney+ “the connection point for fans everywhere” to engage with the rest of the Disney ecosystem.
Smith joined Disney in 2024. Before this promotion he was co-president of Direct-to-Consumer and chief product and technology officer for Disney Entertainment and ESPN. He previously spent more than 20 years at Google and YouTube.
Earley’s New Job
Earley moves over to Disney Entertainment Television, where his new role is focused on developing its franchises and finding new ways to reach audiences with them. He will also oversee all content and production for international originals, along with production, labor relations and creative talent development.
Earley joined Disney in 2019 to run global marketing and operations for Disney+ ahead of its launch. He was named president of Hulu in 2022 and most recently served as co-president of Direct-to-Consumer and head of content strategy.
Walden called Earley “a talented executive with a rare combination of business acumen and creative instincts,” and said she and Debra OConnell, who chairs Disney Entertainment Television, are excited to bring him onto that leadership team.
Eric Schrier Moves To A Producing Deal
Eric Schrier, a 26-year FX and Disney veteran, is stepping down as president of Direct-to-Consumer international originals but staying with the company. He is launching a production company based at Disney Entertainment Television. International originals now fall under Earley.
It is the latest change at the top of Disney’s streaming business this year. In July, Alisa Bowen was named CEO of Fubo as she departed as Disney+ president.
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