Netflix appoints Peter Rice as chief content officer

Rice will oversee scripted and unscripted series, films, live events and other programming across all regions.

Netflix has appointed Peter Rice as Chief Content Officer, effective October 26, placing the former Disney and Fox executive in charge of its global content strategy as Bela Bajaria leaves the company after nearly a decade.

Rice joins Netflix after serving as Chairman of Walt Disney Television and Chairman of General Entertainment at The Walt Disney Company. His appointment brings extensive experience across television, film, sports and news to Netflix’s global content operation.

Peter Rice takes charge of Netflix content

As Chief Content Officer, Rice will lead Netflix’s global content organization, overseeing programming across its international markets. His remit covers scripted and unscripted series, films, live events and other content formats.

Ted Sarandos, co-CEO, Netflix: "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 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."

Bela Bajaria leaves after nearly 10 years

Bajaria is leaving Netflix after nearly 10 years, most recently leading its global content team. During her tenure, the company expanded its unscripted programming, introduced live events and sports, and continued developing its international slate of films and series.

Ted: "I want to thank Bela for a decade of dedication, innovation, creativity and leadership. 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."

Disney and Fox experience shapes Rice’s career

At Disney, Rice oversaw a broad portfolio of television networks, studios and streaming operations, including ABC, FX Networks, Hulu, National Geographic, Disney Channel and Twentieth Century Fox Television. His responsibilities spanned more than 300 shows and 4,000 hours of television annually.

Programmes produced under his leadership included The Simpsons, Modern Family, This Is Us, The Bear, Abbott Elementary, Shōgun and Only Murders in the Building. His portfolio also included ABC News programming and major sporting events such as the Super Bowl, NBA Finals and FIFA World Cup Finals. Disney received 147 Primetime Emmy nominations in 2022 and 146 in 2021.

From Fox Searchlight to global entertainment leadership

Before joining Disney, Rice served as President of 21st Century Fox and CEO of Fox Networks Group, as well as Fox’s lead executive on the Hulu board. Earlier, as President of Fox Searchlight Pictures, he oversaw releases including Slumdog Millionaire, Juno, Little Miss Sunshine and Sideways.

As Executive Vice President of Production at Twentieth Century Fox, Rice worked with directors Baz Luhrmann on Moulin Rouge and Romeo + Juliet, and Danny Boyle on The Beach. He also served as supervising creative executive on the first X-Men film.

Rice graduated from the University of Nottingham in 1989. He serves on the boards of the Motion Picture & Television Fund and the Edinburgh International Film Festival.

Netflix continues to develop its global content slate

Rice said he intends to build on the content operation established by Bajaria and her team, highlighting Netflix’s willingness to support distinctive creative voices and ideas.

Peter Rice, incoming Chief Content Officer, Netflix: "Netflix has fundamentally changed the way stories are made, shared and experienced around the world. 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."

www.netflix.com

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