Netflix has named Peter Rice as its Chief Content Officer, effective October 26. He will succeed Bela Bajaria, who is departing the company after nearly a decade and most recently directing its global content team.
Rice’s new role will be to lead the platform’s global content structure, which includes scripted and unscripted shows, films, and live events across countries.
Ted Sarandos, co-CEO of Netflix, commented on the appointment by saying, “I want to thank Bela for a decade of dedication, innovation, creativity and leadership. She led enormous changes at Netflix. She helped broaden our content offering to include the large-scale expansion of unscripted programming and the launches of live events and sports, in addition to crafting and running a world-class, global slate of films and series. I’m incredibly grateful for everything she’s done to help Netflix entertain the world.”
Sarandos continued, “Peter is one of the most effective at-scale operators in the entertainment industry.” His commercial acumen is acute, his talent relationships are great, and his expertise in television and movies is extensive and diverse. He understands what makes tales connect, and he has spent his career assisting talented individuals in producing their greatest work. I’m thrilled to welcome him as Netflix’s Chief Content Officer as we continue to grow and provide members with more of the stories they like.”
Speaking about his new post, Peter Rice stated, “Netflix has fundamentally changed the way stories are made, shared and experienced around the world. They’ve shown again and again that they’re willing to take chances on distinctive voices and fresh ideas, and I’m excited to work with the team to help bring even more great stories to members everywhere. I’m grateful to Bela for building such a remarkable global team, and I look forward to building on everything she and the team have created.”
Rice was most recently Chairman of Walt Disney Television and General Entertainment for The Walt Disney Company. He managed ABC, Fox Broadcasting, Fox Sports, ABC News, ABC Studios, Disney Channel, Freeform, FX Networks, Hulu, National Geographic, Onyx Collective, Disney Television, and Twentieth Century Fox Television.
During his tenure, the television operations produced over 300 shows and 4,000 hours of programming every year. He oversaw shows such as The Simpsons, American Idol, Modern Family, This Is Us, The Bear, Abbott Elementary, Shogun, and Only Murders in the Building. He also oversaw ABC News programming and sporting events, including the Super Bowl, NBA Finals and FIFA World Cup Finals. Disney received 147 Primetime Emmy nominations in 2022 and 146 in 2021. Rice also chaired the boards of A&E Networks and National Geographic Partners.
Rice previously held the positions of President of 21st Century Fox and CEO of Fox Networks Group, as well as representing Fox on the board of Hulu. He formerly served as president of Fox Searchlight Pictures, which released films such as Slumdog Millionaire, Juno, Little Miss Sunshine, and Sideways.
Rice served as executive vise president of production at Twentieth Century Fox, where she collaborated with Baz Luhrmann on Moulin Rouge and Romeo + Juliet, as well as Danny Boyle on The Beach. He also worked as a creative executive on the first X-Men picture.
Rice graduated from the University of Nottingham in 1989. He serves on the boards of the Motion Picture & Television Fund and the Edinburgh International Film Festival.
