Netflix has named former Disney executive Peter Rice as its new Chief Content Officer, as announced today by Deadline. Rice was fired from Disney in 2022 during the Bob Chapek era.

Peter Rice Hired at Netflix

Shortly after it was announced that Bela Bajaria would be leaving Netflix, Peter Rice was named as her replacement for Chief Content Officer. He will start his new job on October 26 and will oversee all content at Netflix, including scripted and unscripted series, film, and live events.

Speaking on Rice’s placement with the streaming platform, Netflix Co-CEO Ted Sarandos shared:

“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.”

Rice’s last full-time job was as Chairman of Walt Disney Television and Chairman of General Entertainment for the Walt Disney Company. He was fired in June 2022 by then-CEO Bob Chapek and replaced by Dana Walden.

It was said at the time that Rice was an “ill fit with Disney’s corporate culture,” implying that Chapek may have been concerned about Rice, as he was one of many suggested replacements for the CEO.

This is now the second time a former Disney executive has been hired at Netflix recently. Earlier this month, just one day after leaving the Walt Disney Company, Naomi Bulochnikov-Paul was hired as vice president of television series communications for Netflix. Disney also announced a new licensing agreement with Netflix, bringing movies and shows like Elio, Ice Age, and Percy Jackson and the Olympians to the streaming platform.

If you’re interested in learning more about company politics during Chapek’s tenure with Disney, keep an eye out for our coverage on his recently published memoir—and if you haven’t already, be sure to check out Tom’s Honest Review of the book’s preview:

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