Disney Entertainment Appoints Adam Smith as Chairman of Direct-to-Consumer

Disney Entertainment has named Adam Smith as Chairman of Direct-to-Consumer, with the appointment announced by Dana Walden, President and Chief Creative Officer, The Walt Disney Company.

At the same time, Disney announced that Joe Earley will take on the newly created role of President, Disney Entertainment Television Franchise and Content Strategy.

Smith to Lead Global Entertainment Streaming Business

As Chairman, Smith will be responsible for Disney’s global entertainment subscription video-on-demand (SVOD) business. His expanded remit will cover strategy, development and continued innovation across the company’s streaming platforms, proprietary advertising technology and emerging technologies.

Smith will oversee Disney+ and Hulu, including product, engineering, advertising technology, programming strategy, viewer experience, partnerships, and data and analytics.

Focus on Disney+ and Hulu

Dana Walden said Smith has spent the past two years building a global team of product and technology leaders while enhancing the Disney+ user experience.

She added that Smith’s contribution to Disney’s direct-to-consumer business positioned him to lead the next phase of the company’s streaming operations.

Smith said Disney’s storytelling capabilities and global fan base provide a strong foundation for the business, adding that the company’s vision is to make Disney+ a connection point for fans to engage with the wider Disney ecosystem.

Earley Takes on New Television Strategy Role

As President, Disney Entertainment Television Franchise and Content Strategy, Joe Earley will lead the strategic development of Disney Entertainment Television franchises.

His responsibilities will include maximising the value of existing franchises, identifying new opportunities to engage audiences and supporting business growth. He will also oversee content and production for international originals, production, labour relations and creative talent development.

Walden said Earley had been an important leader in Disney’s direct-to-consumer business and highlighted his combination of business and creative experience.

Smith Brings Google and YouTube Experience

Smith joined Disney in 2024 and has played a central role in the transformation of the company’s direct-to-consumer business.

Before taking on his new role, he served as Co-President, Direct-to-Consumer and Chief Product & Technology Officer for Disney Entertainment and ESPN.

Prior to joining Disney, Smith spent more than 20 years at Google and YouTube, holding executive positions across multiple divisions during periods of significant growth for both companies.

Earley’s Disney Tenure

Earley joined Disney in 2019 to oversee global Disney+ marketing and operations ahead of the streaming platform’s launch.

He was appointed President of Hulu in 2022, where he led the platform’s on-demand and live-streaming businesses. Most recently, he served as Co-President, Direct-to-Consumer and head of content strategy.

Before joining Disney, Earley spent several years at Fox, holding roles across content, communications, marketing and operations.

Disney Expands Its Leadership Structure

The appointments expand the leadership structure around Disney Entertainment’s streaming and television businesses, with Smith taking broader responsibility for the company’s direct-to-consumer operations and Earley moving into a role focused on television franchises and content strategy.