Los Angeles: Netflix has announced that former Disney executive Peter Rice will become its chief content officer on October 26, replacing Bela Bajaria as the streaming company prepares for a change in its content leadership.
The announcement was made on Thursday, with Rice expected to oversee Netflix's content strategy across international markets, including television series, films and live programming.
Bajaria, who has worked at Netflix for nearly a decade, is leaving the company after holding several leadership positions in its programming division. During her tenure, she played a role in developing Netflix's television strategy and expanding its production and distribution of content across international markets.
Rice previously held senior executive positions at Disney and 21st Century Fox, where he oversaw television and entertainment operations. His experience includes managing programming divisions, working with production companies and supervising content development across television networks and streaming services.
At Netflix, Rice is expected to oversee decisions relating to content investment, programme development and the company's expansion into live entertainment. The appointment comes as streaming platforms continue competing for subscribers while investing in original productions, international programming and live events.
Rice's reported involvement in planning the opening and closing ceremonies of an upcoming Summer Olympics has also raised questions about how his existing commitments might overlap with his responsibilities at Netflix. However, the extent of those commitments and whether they will affect his new role has not been established.
The leadership change places Rice in charge of Netflix's content operations as the company continues developing its film, television and live event programming.
