Full Breakdown
Disney Restructures Streaming Leadership Amid Push to Make Disney+ a Digital Centerpiece
By Drooid · · How we work
Disney Consolidates Direct-to-Consumer Leadership
Disney Entertainment announced a reorganization of its streaming operations. Adam Smith, a former YouTube executive who joined Disney in 2024, has been elevated to chairman of Direct-to-Consumer (DTC) for the entire Disney Entertainment division. Smith will oversee product, engineering, advertising technology, programming, viewer experience, partnerships, and data and analytics for Disney+ and Hulu, consolidating DTC functions under a single executive.
Background and Recent Organizational Changes
The prior DTC hierarchy split responsibilities across several executives, creating parallel reporting lines to Dana Walden and Alan Bergman.
Joe Earley, former co-president of DTC and ex-president of Hulu, is moving to a newly created role as president of Disney Entertainment Television (DET) franchise and content strategy, where he will lead TV franchise development, DET production, labor relations, talent development, and international original content.
Eric Schrier, a long-time FX and Disney veteran, is exiting his post as president of DTC International Originals, Strategic Programming, and Emerging Media and will transition to a producing partnership with DET, continuing work across FX, Hulu/Disney+, and 20th Television.
Key Figures
- Adam Smith – former YouTube executive; now chairman of Direct-to-Consumer for Disney Entertainment.
- Joe Earley – former co-president of Direct-to-Consumer; now president of Disney Entertainment Television franchise and content strategy.
- Eric Schrier – 26-year Disney/FX veteran; departing executive role to become a producer within DET.
- Dana Walden – Disney’s president and chief creative officer, overseeing the restructuring.
- Debra O’Connell – chair of Disney Entertainment Television, author of the internal memo announcing the changes.
Data and Scope of International Originals
Under Schrier’s leadership, Disney+ expanded its international original slate to 65 shows across 16 markets, adding new regional heads in EMEA and LATAM.
Official Statements & Responses
Dana Walden praised Smith’s two-year impact on Disney+ and expressed confidence in his ability to guide the “critical moment” for the streaming business. Walden also lauded Earley’s four-year tenure as an “exceptional leader.”
Adam Smith emphasized the company’s momentum and articulated a vision for Disney+ to serve as a “connection point for fans everywhere.”
Deb O’Connell noted that Schrier’s departure reflects his desire to “return to his creative roots,” and indicated that further reorganization of her unit is expected in the coming months.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Over the past two years, Adam has done an exceptional job building a world-class team of product and technology leaders and has significantly enhanced the Disney+ user experience globally,” — Dana Walden.
- “Disney has the best storytellers and the most passionate fandom in the world, and I couldn’t be prouder of what this team has built together,” — Adam Smith.
Impact and Strategic Significance
The consolidation places technology and product development at the forefront of Disney’s streaming strategy, aligning with CEO Josh D’Amaro’s goal to make Disney+ the company’s “digital centerpiece.” Centralizing DTC oversight aims to streamline decision-making, accelerate feature development, and deepen audience engagement across Disney’s IP library. Earley’s shift to DET tightens integration of television franchise strategy with streaming distribution, while Schrier’s move to a producer role may preserve creative continuity for international originals.
What’s Next
Deb O’Connell indicated that additional restructuring of the DET unit is planned for the coming months, suggesting further alignment of Disney’s television and streaming operations as the company pursues its digital-first objectives.