Disney promotes Adam Smith to head streaming division in executive reorganization

The short version

• Adam Smith has been named chairman of direct-to-consumer for Disney Entertainment, consolidating control over Disney+ and Hulu.[The Hollywood Reporter · Variety]
• Joe Earley, who previously served as co-president alongside Smith, has transitioned to lead Disney Entertainment Television franchise and content strategy.[The Hollywood Reporter · Business Insider · Variety]
• The corporate restructuring places all streaming initiatives under a single executive to simplify operations across the company's digital platforms.[The Hollywood Reporter]

Key facts

• Adam Smith was named chairman of direct-to-consumer for Disney Entertainment, taking charge of Disney+ and Hulu product, engineering, ad tech, and operations.[The Hollywood Reporter · Business Insider · Variety]
• Joe Earley transitioned to president of Disney Entertainment Television franchise and content strategy, reporting to Debra OConnell.[The Hollywood Reporter · Business Insider · Variety]
• Smith and Earley had previously served together as co-presidents of the direct-to-consumer business.[Business Insider · Variety]
• Smith came to Disney in 2024 after a career at Google and YouTube, where he previously ran YouTube Premium and YouTube Music.[The Hollywood Reporter · Business Insider · Variety]
• The reshuffle consolidates leadership under a single executive instead of multiple division heads reporting to Alan Bergman and Dana Walden.[The Hollywood Reporter]

Sources

Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.

• Disney Names New Streaming Boss In Major Shake Up of Direct-to-Consumer DivisionThe Hollywood Reporter metered
• Here's what top Disney execs told employees about its major streaming leadership shake-upBusiness Insider metered
• Disney Names Adam Smith Direct-to-Consumer Chairman, Joe Earley Shifts to TV Franchise and Content Strategy ChiefVariety metered