The Walt Disney Company is reorganising the management structure of its direct-to-consumer business. Adam Smith, as Chairman of Direct-to-Consumer at Disney Entertainment, will in future be responsible for the global entertainment SVOD business. This includes Disney+ and Hulu.

Smith is set to drive the strategy, development and innovation of the streaming business. His remit includes, amongst other things, product development, technology, advertising technology, programme strategy, viewer experience, partnerships, and data and analytics.

At the same time, Joe Earley is taking up the newly created role of President, Disney Entertainment Television Franchise and Content Strategy. He will be responsible for driving the strategic development of Disney Entertainment Television’s TV franchises and expanding their commercial exploitation. His responsibilities also include overseeing content and production for international in-house productions, production, labour relations and the development of creative talent.

Smith had been Co-President of Direct-to-Consumer and Chief Product & Technology Officer for Disney Entertainment and ESPN since 2024. Earley joined Disney in 2019 and was most recently also Co-President of Direct-to-Consumer and responsible for content strategy.

With this reorganisation, Disney is further separating the strategic management of its global streaming business from responsibility for content and franchises within Disney Entertainment Television.