Netflix Names Peter Rice As Chief Content Officer
Netflix has named former Disney executive Peter Rice as its new Chief Content Officer, effective October 26. Rice replaces Bela Bajaria, who is departing the company after nearly 10 years of service. In his new role, Rice will manage the global content organization, including films, live events, and both scripted and unscripted series across all regions. This leadership change occurs as Netflix implements its largest round of layoffs since 2022, cutting approximately 1,000 employees, or 6% of its workforce, as of October 14, 2026.
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- ✓ Peter Rice will start as Chief Content Officer on October 26.
- ✓ Bela Bajaria is leaving Netflix after nearly 10 years.
- ✓ Rice is a former Disney executive.
- ✓ Rice will oversee global scripted and unscripted series, film, and live events.
What changed
Peter Rice is replacing Bela Bajaria as Chief Content Officer starting October 26.
Live updates
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Netflix Appoints Peter Rice as Chief Content Officer
Netflix has named former Disney executive Peter Rice as its new Chief Content Officer, effective October 26. Rice replaces Bela Bajaria, who is departing the company after nearly 10 years of service. In his new role, Rice will manage the global content organization, including films, live events, and both scripted and unscripted series across all regions. This leadership change occurs as Netflix implements its largest round of layoffs since 2022, cutting approximately 1,000 employees, or 6% of its workforce, as of October 14, 2026.
Why it matters
Bajaria previously oversaw the majority of Netflix's TV and film output over the last several years. Rice maintains external commitments, including his role as executive producer for the LA28 opening and closing ceremonies. He has also been producing a TV series for A24 written and directed by Jesse Eisenberg.
What is confirmed
- Peter Rice will start as Chief Content Officer on October 26.
- Bela Bajaria is leaving Netflix after nearly 10 years.
- Rice is a former Disney executive.
- Rice will oversee global scripted and unscripted series, film, and live events.
- On October 14, 2026, Netflix revealed it would cut about 1,000 employees, representing approximately 6% of its workforce.
- Rice is the executive producer for the LA28 opening and closing ceremonies.
Still unconfirmed
- Netflix made a $3.4 billion profit prior to the October 2026 layoffs.
What to watch next
- Rice's first strategic content directives after October 26
- Further workforce reductions following the October 14 layoffs
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (17)
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- Deadline — Netflix Names Peter Rice As Chief Content Officer
- The New York Times — Netflix Replaces Bela Bajaria as Chief Content Officer
- Variety — Netflix Shocker: Bela Bajaria Leaving After 10 Years Amid Layoffs, Peter Rice to Replace as Chief Content Officer
- A.V. Club — Netflix dumps the person responsible for pretty much all its TV shows and movies over the last few years
- The Hollywood Reporter — Bela Bajaria Out at Netflix, Peter Rice Replaces Her as CCO
- CNBC — Netflix Chief Content Officer Bela Bajaria is leaving, will be replaced by Peter Rice
- Yahoo — Netflix’s New Content Chief Peter Rice Will Continue As EP Of LA28 Opening & Closing Ceremonies
- Reuters — Netflix names former Disney executive Rice as new content chief as Bajaria departs
- deadline.com — Jesse Eisenberg TV Series Produced By Peter Rice To Be Taken Out By A24
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