Entertainment · October 15, 2026
Netflix’s Chief Content Officer Bela Bajaria Exiting
Bela Bajaria is exiting her role as Chief Content Officer (CCO) at Netflix after nearly a decade with the company. She will be replaced by former Disney and Fox executive Peter Rice, effective October 26. This leadership change occurs just 24 hours after Netflix laid off approximately 1,000 employees, representing about 6% of its workforce, amid slowing viewership growth and a shift in content strategy toward live events and sports.
Read the original coverage
Netflix Replaces Bela Bajaria as Chief Content Officer
Read at The New York Times ↗- New York PostTabloid
Netflix big Bela Bajaria out after decade calling shots on shows. Peter Rice is streamer’s new chief content officer
Read at New York Post ↗ - DeadlineTrade
Netflix’s Chief Content Officer Bela Bajaria Exiting
Read at Deadline ↗ Bela Bajaria Out at Netflix, Peter Rice Replaces Her as CCO
Read at The Hollywood Reporter ↗- VarietyTrade
Netflix Shocker: Bela Bajaria Leaving After 10 Years Amid Layoffs, Peter Rice to Replace as Chief Content Officer
Read at Variety ↗ - CNBCMainstream
Netflix Chief Content Officer Bela Bajaria is leaving, will be replaced by Peter Rice
Read at CNBC ↗ - Business InsiderMainstream
Netflix is getting a new content chief after a stock slump and viewership struggles
Read at Business Insider ↗ - IndieWireTrade
Netflix Stunner: Bela Bajaria Out as Chief Content Officer, Former Disney Exec Peter Rice Steps in
Read at IndieWire ↗
Reported by multiple outlets
- Bela Bajaria is leaving Netflix after roughly 10 years at the company.
- Peter Rice will replace Bajaria as Chief Content Officer.
- Netflix recently laid off approximately 1,000 employees (6% of staff).
- Bajaria was named CCO in January 2023.
- Peter Rice previously held senior leadership roles at Disney and 20th Century Fox.
Reported by only some outlets
- Peter Rice’s appointment is effective October 26.
- The news of Bajaria’s departure was first reported by Puck.
- Other exited executives include Doug Belgrad, Lisa Lang McMullen, James Oh, Carolina Garcia, and Andrew McQuinn.
- Netflix shares are down more than 20% this year.
- Netflix will report its next quarterly earnings on the following Tuesday.
Confirmed
- Bela Bajaria is leaving Netflix.
- Peter Rice is the new Chief Content Officer.
- Netflix laid off 1,000 employees immediately preceding this announcement.
Reported
- The news was first reported by Puck. (Variety)
- Exits also include Doug Belgrad and Lisa Lang McMullen. (The Hollywood Reporter)
Rumor
- Rumors of Bajaria’s ouster have been spreading in recent days. (The Hollywood Reporter)
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