Disney Consolidates Streaming Leadership Under Adam Smith
Disney has made significant changes to its senior leadership in the direct-to-consumer division. Adam Smith, a veteran of YouTube, has been named chairman of direct-to-consumer for Disney Entertainment, overseeing all elements of the company's DTC business, including product, engineering, advertising technology, programming, viewer experience, partnerships, and data and analytics for Disney+ and Hulu.
Smith joined Disney two years ago with a mandate to reimagine the product and technology underpinning the company's streaming ambitions. He has built a world-class team of product and technology leaders and has significantly enhanced the Disney+ user experience globally, according to Dana Walden, Disney's president & chief creative officer.
Joe Earley, who had been co-president of direct-to-consumer, will move to a new role as president of Disney Entertainment Television franchise and content strategy. He will lead strategic development for Disney Entertainment's TV franchises, as well as content and production for international originals, production, labor relations, and creative talent development.