Disney Fires Peter Rice as Board Backs CEO Bob Chapek

Disney has fired Peter Rice, the most senior television content executive, while its board of directors supported CEO Bob Chapek. Rice, who joined Disney in 2019 after the company signed a deal to buy 21st Century Fox, was unaware that about his firing. It will take effect soon and he will be taken over by Dana Walden, Rice’s top lieutenant.

Rice is personally popular around the world, but some Disney employees are angry that they monopolize information rather than share it with colleagues. This was an improper style that might have worked for Fox.

Still, Rice supported Chapek's reorganization and empowered him to speak directly with Hollywood talent about whether Disney would choose their work. Rice received a private undisclosed payment, said a person familiar with the matter.

Rice firing occurs when Disney is actively working to expand its streaming audience, which is Chapek's top priority. Rice directed 20th Television, ABC Entertainment, ABC News, and FX among other things.