On September 17, 2026, Disney reorganised the leadership of its streaming business. Adam Smith becomes Chairman, Direct-to-Consumer, Disney Entertainment, effective immediately.

What he oversees

Smith leads the global streaming business including Disney+ and Hulu. That covers:
  • product and engineering
  • advertising technology
  • programming strategy
  • viewer experience
  • partnerships
  • data analytics
He reports to Dana Walden, President and Chief Creative Officer of The Walt Disney Company.

His background

Smith joined Disney in 2024 and was most recently Co-President of Direct-to-Consumer and Chief Product & Technology Officer. Before that he spent over 20 years at Google and YouTube in executive roles.
Walden’s stated rationale: Smith has “built a world-class team and significantly enhanced the Disney+ user experience globally.” Smith’s own stated aim is to make Disney+ the connection point for fans everywhere.

The second half of the change

At the same time, Joe Earley moves to the newly created position of President, Disney Entertainment Television Franchise and Content Strategy, covering strategic development of television franchises, international originals, production, labour relations and creative talent development.

For park guests this has no direct consequences. What stands out is the pattern across this month’s appointments: with Smith, Anand and Taff, Disney has recut three remits within days – and in two of the three, the person comes from the technology side rather than entertainment.
That is an observation, not a judgement. But it is a pattern.