Netflix appoints Peter Rice as content chief, succeeding Bela Bajaria2026-10-16Peter Rice will take over as Netflix’s chief content officer on October 26, overseeing films, series and live events across regions.Bajaria, who joined Netflix in 2016 and became content chief in 2023, is leaving after nearly a decade at the company.Netflix has not given a specific reason for Bajaria’s departure; the change comes amid slower audience engagement and layoffs affecting about 1,000 employees.During Bajaria’s tenure, Netflix expanded its international and local-language programming and added live entertainment, including partnerships with WWE and the NFL.Netflix names former Disney executive Rice as new content chief as Bajaria departs (CNA)Netflix big Bela Bajaria out after decade calling shots on shows. Peter Rice is streamer’s new chief content officer (The New York Post)Who is Bela Bajaria, and why has Netflix fired its powerful content chief? (Mint)Netflix ousts content chief Bela Bajaria amid mass layoffs and 23% fall in stocks, Disney's Peter Rice to replace her (Hindustan Times)Netflix names ex-Disney TV chair Peter Rice content chief (The Business Times)