The Walt Disney Company has announced changes to the leadership team of Disney Entertainment. Adam Smith has been named Chairman of Direct-to-Consumer (DTC) for Disney Entertainment, while Joe Earley will take on the newly created role of President, Disney Entertainment Television Franchise and Content Strategy.

According to a Walt Disney Company announcement yesterday, Smith will be responsible for the company’s global entertainment SVOD business. His role will include overseeing Disney+ and Hulu, along with product, engineering, advertising technology, programming strategy, viewer experience, partnerships, and data and analytics.

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. Before joining Disney, he spent more than 20 years at Google and YouTube, where he held executive roles across different divisions.

Joe Earley, in his new role, will lead the strategic development of Disney Entertainment Television franchises. He will also oversee content and production for international originals, production, labour relations and creative talent development.

Earley joined Disney in 2019 to oversee global Disney+ marketing and operations ahead of its launch. He was named President of Hulu in 2022, where he led the platform’s on-demand and live streaming businesses. He most recently served as Co-President, Direct-to-Consumer and head of content strategy. Before joining Disney, he held several roles at Fox across content, communications, marketing and operations.

The changes were announced by Dana Walden, President and Chief Creative Officer of The Walt Disney Company. Disney said Smith will focus on strategy, development and continued innovation across its streaming platforms, advertising technology and emerging technologies.

Earley will focus on developing Disney Entertainment Television franchises, maximising their value and creating new opportunities to engage audiences.