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Netflix Names Peter Rice as New Chief Content Officer
Confirmed
In Short: Former Disney executive Peter Rice will take over as Chief Content Officer at Netflix starting October 26.
Ted Sarandos, Co-CEO of Netflix, praised Rice's business acumen and talent relationships, noting his deep experience in both TV and film.
Rice expressed excitement about working with Netflix to bring more great stories to members, highlighting the company's impact on the entertainment industry.
Bela Bajaria, who had served as Netflix's Chief Content Officer since 2023, is leaving the company after 10 years.
Bajaria's departure comes amid recent layoffs at Netflix, which saw around 1,000 employees, or 6% of its workforce, let go.
Rice's role at Disney included overseeing networks and shows such as 'The Simpsons' and 'This Is Us,' demonstrating his extensive experience in the entertainment industry.
Netflix's content strategy has shifted to focus on fewer, bigger, and better movies, with Rice expected to continue and expand this approach.
In addition to Rice's appointment, Netflix also announced that Chief Marketing Officer Kelly Bennett and Chief Product Officer Lisa Marie Kim are leaving the company.
Rice's appointment signals a significant change in Netflix's leadership, as the company continues to adapt to the evolving streaming landscape.
What's confirmed
- “Peter is one of the most effective at-scale operators in the entertainment industry. His business acumen is sharp, his talent relationships are exceptionally strong, and his experience across TV and film is deep and broad,” said Ted Sarandos, Co-CEO, Netflix.
- “They’ve shown again and again that they’re willing to take chances on distinctive voices and fresh ideas, and I’m excited to work with the team to help bring even more great stories to members everywhere.” I have an important update to share about our Content leadership.
- “Netflix has fundamentally changed the way stories are made, shared and experienced around the world,” said Rice.
- Netflix ‘s longtime chief content officer Bela Bajaria is leaving the company after 10 years, with former Disney and Fox executive Peter Rice expected to replace her, per a report by Puck.
- She joined Netflix in 2016 and was named chief content officer in 2023.
- Deadline has confirmed that Bloys, named earlier today Co-Chair and Chief Content Officer, Skydance DTC, has signed a multi-year extension to his current contract, which runs though end of 2027.
What's still developing
- Former Disney exec Rice takes the job starting October 26.
- She also helped reshape our strategy to focus on fewer, bigger, better movies, championing films like KPop Demon Hunters, The Adventures of Cliff Booth, and Narnia: The Magician’s Nephew, as well as bringing award winning films like La Bola Negra and Possible Love to Netflix.
- Kim has spearheaded Netflix's consumer product innovation team since joining the company in 2021, after stints at Google Play and YouTube.
- He noted her vital role in expanding the platform’s content offerings, particularly through the growth of unscripted programming and the introduction of live events and sports.
- He added original content responsibilities for HBO Max in 2020 and was named Chairman and CEO of HBO and Max Content in 2022.
- Having just been named to the hefty position of co-chair and chief content officer for Skydance DTC — overseeing both HBO Max and Paramount+, Casey Bloys is staying put.
- News that Bloys (who previously served as CEO and chief content officer of HBO and HBO Max) would add Paramount+ to his stripes came last week after Paramount direct-to-consumer chair Cindy Holland told colleagues Tuesday that she would be leaving.
- Vanity Fair global editorial director Mark Guiducci and Netflix’s Chief Content Officer Bela Bajaria hosted an intimate soirée at San Vicente to toast the cast of Zoe Kazan’s forthcoming adaptation of John Steinbeck’s gripping novel and its fearless leader, VF ’s New Establishment issue cover star, Pugh.
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