Adam Smith Named Chairman of Direct-to-Consumer at Disney Entertainment

Disney Entertainment has announced that Adam Smith has been named Chairman, Direct-to-Consumer, with responsibility for Disney+ and Hulu including product, engineering, advertising technology, programming strategy, partnerships, and data and analytics. The appointment was announced by Dana Walden, President and Chief Creative Officer, The Walt Disney Company.

Joe Earley has been named to the newly created role of President, Disney Entertainment Television Franchise and Content Strategy, overseeing franchise development, international originals, production, labor relations, and creative talent development.

Smith joined Disney in 2024 and most recently served as Co-President, Direct-to-Consumer and Chief Product and Technology Officer for Disney Entertainment and ESPN. He previously spent more than 20 years at Google and YouTube.

Earley joined Disney in 2019 to oversee Disney+ marketing and operations ahead of its launch and was named President of Hulu in 2022. He most recently served as Co-President, Direct-to-Consumer and head of content strategy. He previously held executive roles at Fox.

“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,” says Walden. “Alan Bergman and I are pleased to recognize the tremendous impact he has had on our direct-to-consumer business since he joined Disney, and we are confident that he is the right leader to meet the critical moment we’re in and take us to the next level.”

“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,” says Adam Smith, Chairman, Direct-to-Consumer, Disney Entertainment. “We’ve established real momentum, and our vision ahead is clear: make Disney+ the connection point for fans everywhere to engage with the full breadth and depth of the broader Disney ecosystem. I’m grateful for this team, energized by what’s ahead, and excited for our next chapter.”

“Joe has been an exceptional leader for our direct-to-consumer business over the past four years, and I am deeply grateful for his partnership and meaningful contributions,” says Walden. “He is a talented executive with a rare combination of business acumen and creative instincts, and Debra O’Connell and I could not be more excited to welcome him to the leadership team at Disney Entertainment Television.”