Adam Smith has been named Chairman of Direct-to-Consumer at Disney Entertainment, with responsibility for the company’s global entertainment subscription video-on-demand business, Disney announced.
The appointment was announced by Dana Walden, President and Chief Creative Officer, The Walt Disney Company. Joe Earley will take on a newly created role as President, Disney Entertainment Television Franchise and Content Strategy.
In his new role, Smith will drive strategy, development and continued innovation across Disney Entertainment’s streaming platforms, proprietary advertising technology and emerging technologies. He will oversee Disney+ and Hulu, including product, engineering, advertising technology, programming strategy, viewer experience, partnerships, and data and analytics.
“Over the past two years, Adam has done an exceptional job building a world-class team of product and technology leaders and has significantly enhanced the Disney+ user experience globally,” said Walden. “Alan Bergman and I are pleased to recognize the tremendous impact he has had on our direct-to-consumer business since he joined Disney, and we are confident that he is the right leader to meet the critical moment we’re in and take us to the next level.”
Smith said Disney’s focus will be on building on the momentum of its streaming business and strengthening Disney+’s connection with the wider Disney ecosystem.
“Disney has the best storytellers and the most passionate fandom in the world, and I couldn’t be prouder of what this team has built together,” said Smith. “We’ve established real momentum, and our vision ahead is clear: make Disney+ the connection point for fans everywhere to engage with the full breadth and depth of the broader Disney ecosystem. I’m grateful for this team, energized by what’s ahead, and excited for our next chapter.”
Meanwhile, in his new role, Earley will lead the strategic development of Disney Entertainment Television franchises, with a focus on maximising their value, creating new opportunities to engage audiences and driving the business forward.
He will oversee all content and production for international originals, production, labour relations and creative talent development.
“Joe has been an exceptional leader for our direct-to-consumer business over the past four years, and I am deeply grateful for his partnership and meaningful contributions,” said Walden. “He is a talented executive with a rare combination of business acumen and creative instincts, and Debra OConnell and I could not be more excited to welcome him to the leadership team at Disney Entertainment Television.”
Smith joined Disney in 2024 and has played a central role in transforming the company’s direct-to-consumer business. He most recently served as Co-President, Direct-to-Consumer and Chief Product & Technology Officer for Disney Entertainment and ESPN.
Before joining Disney, Smith spent more than 20 years at Google and YouTube, where he held executive roles across numerous divisions during significant growth periods for both companies.
Earley joined Disney in 2019 to oversee global Disney+ marketing and operations in the lead-up to its launch. He was named President of Hulu in 2022, where he led the platform’s suite of on-demand and live streaming businesses.
Earley most recently served as Co-President, Direct-to-Consumer and head of content strategy. Prior to joining Disney, he was a long-tenured executive at Fox, where he held a range of roles spanning content, communications, marketing and operations.
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First Published on September 18, 2026, 09:43:19 IST
