Disney Puts Adam Smith in Charge of Its Streaming Future

Disney is making another major move behind the scenes as the company continues to strengthen its streaming business.

Adam Smith has been named chairman of Disney’s direct-to-consumer operation, placing him at the center of the company’s growing streaming empire. In the expanded position, Smith will oversee Disney’s direct-to-consumer platforms, including Disney+ and Hulu.

Smith is no stranger to this side of the company. He previously served as Disney Entertainment and ESPN’s chief product and technology officer and was later named co-president of direct-to-consumer alongside Joe Earley. His promotion now gives him full oversight of a business that has become increasingly important to Disney’s future.

One Leader for Disney’s Streaming Kingdom

The move is part of a larger leadership shake-up within Disney’s television and streaming divisions.

Smith’s appointment signals that Disney wants one person guiding the technology, product strategy and overall direction of its streaming platforms. With Disney+ and Hulu becoming more closely connected, having a single executive overseeing the operation could help create a more unified experience for subscribers.

Disney has spent the past several years transforming its streaming business from an expensive experiment into a central part of the company. Disney+ remains the home of Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars and National Geographic, while Hulu gives the company a broader selection of general entertainment.

Bringing those brands together without turning the experience into one giant digital junk drawer will be one of Smith’s biggest challenges.

The Streaming Battle Is Far From Over

Disney may own some of the biggest franchises on the planet, but streaming remains one of the most competitive corners of the entertainment industry.

Netflix, Amazon, Apple, Warner Bros. Discovery and several other companies are still fighting for viewers’ time and money. Disney must continue finding ways to attract new subscribers while convincing existing customers that its services are worth keeping month after month.

That means Smith won’t simply be responsible for maintaining Disney+ and Hulu. He will help determine how the platforms evolve, how their technology improves and how Disney presents its massive library of movies, television shows and original programming to audiences around the world.

The promotion also shows that Disney is betting on someone already familiar with the company instead of bringing in an outsider. Smith understands Disney’s streaming technology, its entertainment brands and the challenges involved in combining them into one connected business.

Disney has the characters, franchises and content library. Now Adam Smith has the job of making sure its streaming strategy can keep up with all of it.

Source: Reuters