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Disney Terminates Senior TV Executive Peter Rice; Board Shows Support for CEO Bob Chapek

Things have been shaken up over the past year or so within the top leadership of the Walt Disney Company and the latest change comes to Disney’s TV and streaming department.

walt-disney-building-burbank

Credit: Disney

The company recently made the decision to terminate Peter Rice, the company’s leading TV executive, citing “an ill fit with Disney’s corporate culture,” according to the New York Times.

Rice’s termination shocked many industry professionals where his contract was only recently renewed last summer with an extension through 2024 (Disney did pay him out for the remainder of his contract.) In his role for as chairman of Disney General Entertainment Content, Rice oversaw work on networks and streaming services like ABC, Disney Channel, Disney+, and Hulu.

Peter Rice, Disney

Credit: New York Times

Dana Walden, currently chairwoman for entertainment for Walt Disney Television is expected to be announced as Rice’s replacement.

The decision follows a challenging period as CEO for Bob Chapek, who began the position just prior to the start of the COVID-19 pandemic and has had a difficult time managing Disney’s role alongside Florida’s state politics over the past year or so.

Regarding the company’s decision to terminate Peter Rice, chairwoman of the Board Susan E. Arnold said:

The strength of the Walt Disney Company’s businesses coming out of the pandemic is a testament to Bob’s leadership and vision for the company’s future. In this important time of business growth and transformation, we are committed to keeping Disney on the successful path it is on today, and Bob and his leadership team have the support and confidence of the Board.

Bob Chapek

Credit: Disney

Rice began working for the Walt Disney Company in 2019 during the acquisition of 21st Century Fox, where he previously served as president of 21st Century Fox and chairman and CEO of Fox Networks Group.

Disney has not yet released additional comments, but we will keep you updated here on Disney Tips if new developments arise.

About Brittany DiCologero

Brittany is a New England-based writer focused on the history of the Walt Disney World Resort. She is the author of "Red, White, and Disney: The Myths and Reality of American History at the Walt Disney World Resort," and "Brittany Earns Her Ears."