Netflix names Peter Rice as new Chief Content Officer
- Bela Bajaria is leaving Netflix after a 10-year tenure.
- Peter Rice will officially assume the role of Chief Content Officer on October 26.
- Netflix began laying off 6% of its staff, affecting approximately 1,000 employees.
- Bajaria oversaw major hits including Squid Game and Bridgerton.
- Rice previously served as chairman of Walt Disney Television.
Netflix appointed former Disney and Fox executive Peter Rice as its new Chief Content Officer on Thursday, October 15, 2026. Rice replaces Bela Bajaria, who is leaving the company after nearly 10 years as the leader of the global content team.
Netflix operates as a global entertainment service that provides television series, films, games, and live programming.
Netflix implements workforce reduction of 1,000 employees
Netflix began laying off 6% of its staff on Wednesday, October 14, 2026. This reduction affects 1,000 employees. It is the largest employee reduction in the company's history.
Bela Bajaria concludes 10-year tenure at Netflix
Bela Bajaria joined Netflix in 2016 following her time as president of Universal Television at NBCUniversal. She produced shows such as "Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt" and "Master of None".
She became head of global in 2020 after the departure of Cindy Holland. Netflix appointed her as chief content officer in January 2023.
During her tenure, she oversaw series including "Bridgerton," "Squid Game," and "Wednesday," and films like "KPop Demon Hunters". She also helped the company enter live sports through partnerships with the NFL and WWE.
The company earned 16 Primetime Emmy awards in 2026, which is its lowest count since 2016. This follows 30 wins in 2025 and 44 wins in 2021. Bajaria leaves the company after 10 years of service.
Peter Rice to begin new role on October 26
Peter Rice will officially begin his role as Chief Content Officer on October 26, 2026. He will lead the global content organization.
His responsibilities include overseeing scripted and unscripted series, film, live events, and more across all regions.
Background of incoming executive Peter Rice
Rice previously served as Chairman of Walt Disney Television and Chairman of General Entertainment for The Walt Disney Company. He oversaw 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.
Under his leadership, the company produced more than 300 shows and 4,000 hours of television per year. His list of programs included "The Simpsons," "American Idol," "Modern Family," "This Is Us," "The Bear," "Abbott Elementary," "Shogun," and "Only Murders in the Building".
He also managed major sporting events including the Super Bowl, NBA Finals, and FIFA World Cup Finals. Rice chaired the boards of A&E Networks and National Geographic Partners.
He previously worked as President of 21st Century Fox and CEO of Fox Networks Group. His earlier roles include President of Fox Searchlight Pictures, where he released "Slumdog Millionaire," "Juno," "Little Miss Sunshine," and "Sideways".
As Executive Vice President of Production at Twentieth Century Fox, he worked on "Moulin Rouge," "Romeo + Juliet," "The Beach," and the first "X-Men". Rice graduated from the University of Nottingham in 1989 and serves on the boards of the Motion Picture & Television Fund and the Edinburgh International Film Festival. Disney ousted Rice in 2022.
Statements from Netflix leadership on the transition
Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos thanked Bajaria for her "decade of dedication, innovation, creativity, and leadership". Sarandos noted she led enormous changes, including the expansion of unscripted programming and the launch of live events and sports.
Sarandos said he is "incredibly grateful for everything she’s done to help Netflix entertain the world".
Regarding the new hire, Sarandos described Rice as "one of the most effective at-scale operators in the entertainment industry".
Sarandos said Rice "understands what makes stories resonate" and has spent his career helping talent "do the best work of their lives".
Rice said, "Netflix has fundamentally changed the way stories are made, shared and experienced around the world". He added, "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".
Rice said he is "grateful to Bela for building such a remarkable global team, and I look forward to building on everything she and the team have created".
Additional corporate developments and industry context
Puck first reported the news of Peter Rice replacing Bajaria. Other notable exits include film vice president Doug Belgrad and film director Sheroum Kim.
Disney earned 147 Primetime Emmy nominations in 2022 and 146 in 2021.
Frequently Asked Questions
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