Entertainment

Netflix replaces chief content officer Bela Bajaria with Peter Rice

Peter Rice, a former Disney and Fox executive, takes over as Netflix cuts about 1,000 jobs.

Updated Oct 17, 2026 · 02:10 UTC4 reports

The short version

Bela Bajaria is out as Netflix's chief content officer, and Peter Rice is taking the role.[Variety · The Hollywood Reporter]
Netflix also laid off around 1,000 employees, about 6 percent of its workforce.[Variety · The Hollywood Reporter]
Co-CEO Ted Sarandos credited Bajaria with expanding Netflix into unscripted programming, live events, and sports.[The Hollywood Reporter]
Rice said Netflix has transformed how stories are made, shared, and experienced worldwide.[Variety · The Hollywood Reporter]

Bela Bajaria is out as Netflix's chief content officer, with Peter Rice taking the role.[Variety · The Hollywood Reporter]
Netflix laid off around 1,000 employees, about 6 percent of its workforce.[Variety · The Hollywood Reporter]
In a statement, co-CEO Ted Sarandos credited Bajaria with Netflix's expansion into unscripted programming, live events, and sports.[The Hollywood Reporter]
Peter Rice stated that Netflix has fundamentally changed how stories are made, shared, and experienced worldwide.[Variety · The Hollywood Reporter]

Earlier coverage described Bajaria's ouster as rumor before the change was reported, and the reasons for her exit are not stated.[Variety · The Hollywood Reporter]
The initial report of the change is attributed to Puck, and the provided articles do not describe its sourcing.[Variety]

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