Adam Smith, a veteran of Google and YouTube who joined the company in 2024, will now serve as chairman of direct-to-consumer for Disney Entertainment. His mandate encompasses the company's massive global streaming portfolio, a responsibility he previously shared as co-president. Joe Earley, who led Hulu and served as co-president of direct-to-consumer, moves into the newly created position of president, Disney Entertainment Television franchise and content strategy. His transition signals a sharper focus on the long-term development of Disney’s television intellectual property.

The appointments follow a broader reorganization initiated in March by Disney President and Chief Creative Officer Dana Walden. That effort previously installed Smith and Earley as partners in the direct-to-consumer division and named Debra OConnell as chairman of Disney Entertainment Television. By narrowing the scope of these executive roles, Disney aims to refine its content delivery and franchise management in an increasingly competitive streaming landscape.