Netflix is shaking up its C-suite in an effort to fix its engagement woes.
On Thursday, the streaming giant announced that former Disney executive Peter Rice will take over as the company's chief content officer, overseeing global content organization, including scripted and unscripted series, film and live events.
Rice is replacing 10-year Netflix veteran Bela Bajaria, who most recently led the company's global content team with a focus on its live sports strategy. Bajaria was initially hired in 2016 to help the streamer launch an unscripted division as well as licensing and studio co-productions. She later transitioned to the top creative role, spearheading Netflix's $20 billion content budget.
She oversaw popular TV series like "Stranger Things," "Wednesday," "Bridgerton," "Squid Game," "Adolescence" and "Beef," as well as Netflix films like "Frankenstein" and "KPop Demon Hunters." Bajaria also helped push Netflix into live sports and events, including deals with the WWE and the NFL as well as programs like "The Roast of Tom Brady."
Prior to his stint at Disney, Rice was president of 21st Century Fox and CEO of Fox Networks Group as well as Fox's lead executive on the Hulu board. He was also the president of Fox Searchlight Pictures and helped release "Slumdog Millionaire," "Juno," "Little Miss Sunshine" and "Sideways."