The former Disney and Fox executive will take over as global content chief on October 26, overseeing Netflix’s global scripted and unscripted programming, films, live events and other content operations. Bajaria is leaving the company after nearly a decade.
Netflix has announced the appointment of Peter Rice as its new Chief Content Officer, effective October 26. He succeeds Bela Bajaria, who is leaving the streaming company after nearly ten years.
In his new role, Rice will lead Netflix’s global content organization, overseeing scripted and unscripted series, films, live events and other programming across all regions.
Rice brings extensive experience in the entertainment industry, having held senior leadership positions at Disney and Fox across television, film and content operations.
“I want to thank Bela for a decade of dedication, innovation, creativity and leadership,” said Ted Sarandos, co-CEO of Netflix.
“She led enormous changes at Netflix. She helped broaden our content offering to include the large-scale expansion of unscripted programming and the launches of live events and sports, in addition to crafting and running a world-class, global slate of films and series. I’m incredibly grateful for everything she’s done to help Netflix entertain the world.”
Sarandos also highlighted Rice’s experience managing large-scale entertainment operations and his longstanding relationships with creative talent.
“Peter is one of the most effective at-scale operators in the entertainment industry. His business acumen is sharp, his talent relationships are exceptionally strong, and his experience across TV and film is deep and broad,” he said.
“He understands what makes stories resonate, and he’s spent his career helping talent do the best work of their lives. I’m excited to welcome him to Netflix as Chief Content Officer as we continue to scale and deliver members more of the stories they love.”
Rice welcomed the appointment and acknowledged Netflix’s impact on the global entertainment business.
“Netflix has fundamentally changed the way stories are made, shared and experienced around the world,” he said.
“They’ve shown again and again that they’re willing to take chances on distinctive voices and fresh ideas, and I’m excited to work with the team to help bring even more great stories to members everywhere. I’m grateful to Bela for building such a remarkable global team, and I look forward to building on everything she and the team have created.”
Extensive Experience Across Disney and Fox
Rice most recently served as Chairman of Walt Disney Television and Chairman of General Entertainment at The Walt Disney Company.
In those positions, he oversaw a broad portfolio of businesses and brands, including ABC, Fox Broadcasting, Fox Sports, ABC News, ABC Studios, Disney Channel, Freeform, FX Networks, Hulu, National Geographic, Onyx Collective and Twentieth Century Fox Television.
His responsibilities included more than 300 programs and approximately 4,000 hours of television annually.
Titles produced or broadcast under his leadership included The Simpsons, American Idol, Modern Family, This Is Us, The Bear, Abbott Elementary, Shōgun and Only Murders in the Building.
Earlier in his career, Rice served as President of 21st Century Fox and CEO of Fox Networks Group, as well as Fox’s lead executive on Hulu’s board of directors.
He was also President of Fox Searchlight Pictures, overseeing releases including Slumdog Millionaire, Juno, Little Miss Sunshine and Sideways.
Rice will now take responsibility for Netflix’s global content strategy and operations as the streaming company continues to develop and distribute programming across international markets.
