Disney Appoints Adam Smith as Chairman of Streaming Business
Walt Disney appoints company insider Adam Smith as chairman of its streaming business, as the entertainment giant seeks to strengthen its focus on direct-to-consumer platforms including Disney+ and Hulu.
Smith, who joined Disney in 2024, will oversee strategy and development for the company’s global entertainment subscription video-on-demand business. His responsibilities will also include Disney’s proprietary advertising technology and emerging technologies, expanding his role across key areas of the company’s digital entertainment operations.
The appointment comes as Disney continues to place greater emphasis on its direct-to-consumer business, which has become an increasingly important part of its broader strategy.
The company is using its streaming platforms to distribute content directly to consumers, strengthen audience engagement and expand its advertising business.
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Alongside Smith’s appointment, Disney named Joe Earley as president of Disney Entertainment Television Franchise and Content Strategy.
The newly created position will focus on developing television franchises and maximizing their value across Disney’s entertainment portfolio.
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Earley joined Disney in 2019 ahead of the launch of Disney+ and later became president of Hulu in 2022. His experience across the company’s streaming operations positions him for a broader role in shaping television content and franchises.
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The leadership changes come as Disney continues to evolve its streaming strategy amid shifts in the global entertainment industry. Streaming services have become central to how media companies distribute content and build long-term relationships with audiences, while advertising technology and subscription-based businesses remain important areas of growth.
With Smith taking charge of the streaming business and Earley assuming responsibility for television franchise and content strategy, Disney is aligning its leadership structure around its direct-to-consumer operations and the broader value of its entertainment content.
The appointments underline Disney’s continued focus on integrating content, streaming, technology and advertising capabilities as it develops its digital entertainment business.