Disney Taps Insider Adam Smith as Streaming Business Chairman

Walt Disney has appointed Adam Smith as chairman of its streaming business, marking a significant move to sharpen its focus across direct-to-consumer platforms such as Disney+ and Hulu. This appointment comes as the company places greater emphasis on its direct-to-consumer business, which has become a key part of its strategy to distribute content, deepen engagement with viewers, and grow its advertising business.

Smith will be responsible for strategy and development across Disney's global entertainment subscription video-on-demand business, proprietary advertising technology, and emerging technologies. He joined the company in 2024.

The appointment also includes the creation of a new role focused on developing television franchises and maximizing their value across the company, which has been assigned to Joe Earley. Earley, who joined Disney in 2019 ahead of the launch of Disney+, became president of Hulu in 2022.