Netflix Replaces Content Chief Bela Bajaria With Former Disney Executive Peter Rice

Netflix has named former Disney executive Peter Rice its chief content officer, replacing Bela Bajaria, who is leaving after nearly ten years. The company announced the change on 15 October 2026, and Rice takes over on 26 October, BestMediaInfo reported.

Rice will run Netflix's global content organisation, covering scripted and unscripted series, films and live events in every region, which puts the streamer's international slates, including India, under his watch. Co-CEO Ted Sarandos announced the appointment and praised Rice's instinct for what makes stories resonate with audiences.

Who is Peter Rice?

Rice was most recently chairman of Walt Disney Television and chairman of General Entertainment at The Walt Disney Company, overseeing networks and studios including ABC, FX, Hulu, Disney Channel and National Geographic, which together produced more than 300 shows a year. Shows made under his watch include The Simpsons, This Is Us, The Bear and Shōgun. He was pushed out of Disney in 2022 by then chief executive Bob Chapek.

Before Disney, Rice was president of 21st Century Fox and CEO of Fox Networks Group, and earlier ran Fox Searchlight Pictures, which released Slumdog Millionaire, Juno and Little Miss Sunshine.

A wider shake-up

The change comes during a difficult stretch for the streamer. Netflix cut about 1,000 jobs, roughly 6% of its workforce, this week, Variety reported, its largest layoff to date. Several other film and television executives have also left in recent days, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

Bajaria most recently led Netflix's global content team. Netflix has not said what she will do next.