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Tag: Peter Rice

  • Disney restructures general entertainment division

    Disney restructures general entertainment division

    MUMBAI: Disney has unveiled the next leg of its company-wide restructuring, as general entertainment content chairman Peter Rice outlined key changes to the division under his charge.

    The move comes a month after Walt Disney Company CEO Bob Chapek announced a strategic reorganization of its media and entertainment businesses.

    Rice is ditching the company's long-time legacy structure in order to create centralized groups that will be purely focused on content. It means that departments including marketing, publicity, scheduling and media planning are being consolidated into three distinct groups overseen by Shannon Ryan (Hulu and linear networks), former Twitter head of global creative Jayanta Jenkins (Disney+) and Stephanie Gibbons (FX/FX on Hulu).

    Rice has also vastly expanded Disney Channel president Gary Marsh's responsibilities. He will now serve as Disney Branded Television president and chief creative officer. Marsh will now look after all non-theatrical Disney-branded TV content made for tweens, teens and families, live-action, animation and even specials. He will also oversee the Disney+ unscripted content and production teams. Marsh will continue to report to Rice.

    National Geographic Content president Courteney Monroe has similarly been given an expanded role. She will add oversight of NatGeo content on Disney+ as well as linear networks. (NatGeo is a one of the centralized channels on Disney+.) Monroe will join Rice's senior leadership team and continue to report to NatGeo partners chairman Gary Knell (who also reports to Rice).

    Dana Walden has also been given a new role, she will serve as Walt Disney TV entertainment chairman. Her responsibilities remain largely the same, after the TV stations unit moved over to the Disney Media and Entertainment Distribution Group overseen by the recently promoted Kareem Daniel. It is believed that Walden is expected to announce her own restructuring in the coming weeks. Walden looks after Hulu, ABC, Freeform and Disney Television Studios. The latter division includes 20th Television, ABC Signature and Touchstone Television (formerly Fox 21).

    "This is a big change to our legacy television structure which was built around linear networks," Rice said in a memo to staff on Tuesday. "But as we look to the future and how consumers choose to watch their programming, this reorganization is an opportunity for us to fully focus on what we do best, making great programming for viewers wherever they choose to watch their favourite shows,” he added.

    The restructuring also includes the consolidation of marketing, publicity and media planning. One agency, led by Hulu and general entertainment content marketing president Shannon Ryan will market DGE content distributed to Hulu and the linear networks, which covers content produced by Disney Television Studios, Hulu Originals, ABC Entertainment, Freeform and ABC News.

    Jayanta Jenkins, who last worked with Samsung, is joining as Disney+ and general entertainment content marketing head and will oversee a second internal agency that covers marketing, publicity and media planning for DGE-created content for Disney+ and linear networks including Disney Channel, Disney Junior, Disney XD and National Geographic.

    Ryan will answer to Walden, while Jenkins will report to Marsh and Monroe.

    FX’s marketing and publicity team, led by Stephanie Gibbons, will continue to market all FX programming for Hulu and linear.

  • The Walt Disney Company names new organisational structure for media networks biz

    The Walt Disney Company names new organisational structure for media networks biz

    MUMBAI: The Walt Disney Company, as part of the integration planning for its pending acquisition of 21st Century Fox, today announced plans for a new organisational structure for its media networks segment, conditional upon closing of the deal. Under the new structure, several 21st Century Fox executives would assume leadership roles at the Disney business segment once the acquisition closes.

    “The strength of 21st Century Fox’s first-class management talent has always been a compelling part of this opportunity for us,” said The Walt Disney Company chairman and chief executive officer Robert A Iger. “Upon completion of the acquisition, this new structure positions these proven leaders to help drive maximum value from a greatly enhanced portfolio of incredible brands and businesses.”

    Peter Rice will become chairman, Walt Disney Television and co-chair, Disney Media Networks, reporting directly to Iger. The new organisation under Rice will include ABC Television Network, ABC Studios, the ABC Owned Television Stations Group, Disney Channels, Freeform, Twentieth Century Fox Television, FX Networks and FX Productions, Fox 21 Television Studios, and the National Geographic channels.

    “I love making television and have been fortunate to work with incredibly talented executives and storytellers. Disney is the world’s preeminent creative company, and I look forward to working for Bob, and with his exceptional leadership team, to build on that amazing legacy. I also want to thank Rupert, Lachlan and James Murdoch for the privilege of working on such a wide array of movies and television, both entertainment and sports. It has been a wonderful thirty years,” Rice said.

    Rice’s appointment will take effect upon completion of the acquisition. He is currently president of 21st Century Fox and chairman and chief executive officer of Fox Networks Group.

    Reporting to Rice will be: Dana Walden, Chairman, Disney Television Studios and ABC Entertainment; John Landgraf, chairman of FX Networks and FX Productions; Gary E. Knell, chairman of National Geographic Partners; Gary Marsh, president and chief creative officer, Disney Channels Worldwide and James Goldston, president, ABC News

    Walden’s portfolio will include Twentieth Century Fox Television and Fox 21 Television Studios, as well as ABC Entertainment, ABC Studios, Freeform and the ABC Owned Television Stations Group. She is currently chairman and chief executive officer of Fox Television Group.

    Disney Media Networks co-chair Ben Sherwood and Disney|ABC Television Group President, will remain in his current role during the transition period until the acquisition closes.

    “I want to personally thank Ben Sherwood for his years of service at ABC and Disney. Ben has been a valued colleague, and I deeply appreciate his many contributions and insights, as well as his professionalism and cooperation in this transition,” Iger said.

    Disney’s acquisition of 21st Century Fox has received formal approval from shareholders of both companies, and Disney and 21st Century Fox have entered into a consent decree with the US Department of Justice that allows the acquisition to proceed, while requiring the sale of the Fox Sports Regional Networks. The transaction is subject to a number of non-US merger and other regulatory reviews.

  • 21st Century Fox eyes $250 million cost cut via staff buyouts

    21st Century Fox eyes $250 million cost cut via staff buyouts

    MUMBAI: The Rupert Murdoch owned 21st Century Fox is looking at reducing costs by approximately $25 million in the 2017 fiscal by offering enhanced benefit packages to employees of its film (Twentieth Century Fox Film) and TV networks (Fox Networks Group) divisions if they resign voluntarily.

    In an internal email memo, Fox Networks Group chairman and CEO Peter Rice said, “Our industry is changing rapidly, presenting new challenges and even more opportunities at every turn. For a company that has always embraced change and innovation, these are exciting times. To ensure we make the most of this new world, we need to adjust, adapt, and organize for the future. With this in mind, through the remainder of this fiscal year, we will be undertaking some structural changes, increasing investment in some parts of the company while making cost reductions in other areas.”

    “As the next step in this reorganization, colleagues who fit a specific set of criteria will be offered a generous benefit package if they decide to voluntarily resign from the company, effective May 23, 2016. Colleagues who are eligible for this offer will receive a confidential email in the next few hours with specific terms and benefits. Again, the program is completely voluntary,” Rice added.

    Twentieth Century Fox Film chairman and CEO Jim Gianopulos wrote in his memo, “As we all know, the film industry is facing many significant changes, and we are no exception. While we continue to succeed on many fronts, such as garnering an extraordinary 30 Academy Awards nominations and; last year, setting an all-time industry box office record, we must be cognizant of the industry’s transformation and position ourselves to continue our success in this new environment. To that end, we are reviewing our organizational structure and looking at potential cost reductions to position us for sustained future growth.”

    “This comes at a time that is both exciting and challenging for the company. We are the best at what we do and will continue to excel, but we also have to be fearless about transforming, and embrace both change and opportunity. If we structure our organization for the media world ahead of us, we will continue to thrive and make 20th Century Fox a stronger and more agile company going forward,” Gianopulos added.

  • 21st Century Fox eyes $250 million cost cut via staff buyouts

    21st Century Fox eyes $250 million cost cut via staff buyouts

    MUMBAI: The Rupert Murdoch owned 21st Century Fox is looking at reducing costs by approximately $25 million in the 2017 fiscal by offering enhanced benefit packages to employees of its film (Twentieth Century Fox Film) and TV networks (Fox Networks Group) divisions if they resign voluntarily.

    In an internal email memo, Fox Networks Group chairman and CEO Peter Rice said, “Our industry is changing rapidly, presenting new challenges and even more opportunities at every turn. For a company that has always embraced change and innovation, these are exciting times. To ensure we make the most of this new world, we need to adjust, adapt, and organize for the future. With this in mind, through the remainder of this fiscal year, we will be undertaking some structural changes, increasing investment in some parts of the company while making cost reductions in other areas.”

    “As the next step in this reorganization, colleagues who fit a specific set of criteria will be offered a generous benefit package if they decide to voluntarily resign from the company, effective May 23, 2016. Colleagues who are eligible for this offer will receive a confidential email in the next few hours with specific terms and benefits. Again, the program is completely voluntary,” Rice added.

    Twentieth Century Fox Film chairman and CEO Jim Gianopulos wrote in his memo, “As we all know, the film industry is facing many significant changes, and we are no exception. While we continue to succeed on many fronts, such as garnering an extraordinary 30 Academy Awards nominations and; last year, setting an all-time industry box office record, we must be cognizant of the industry’s transformation and position ourselves to continue our success in this new environment. To that end, we are reviewing our organizational structure and looking at potential cost reductions to position us for sustained future growth.”

    “This comes at a time that is both exciting and challenging for the company. We are the best at what we do and will continue to excel, but we also have to be fearless about transforming, and embrace both change and opportunity. If we structure our organization for the media world ahead of us, we will continue to thrive and make 20th Century Fox a stronger and more agile company going forward,” Gianopulos added.

  • Fox reorganises international division, CEO Hernan Lopez to quit

    Fox reorganises international division, CEO Hernan Lopez to quit

    MUMBAI: In a major restructuring exercise, Fox Networks Group is reorganising its international television unit, consolidating its international channels under regional hubs in Europe, Latin America and Asia.

     

    With this development, Fox International Channels CEO Hernan Lopez will leave the company.

     

    Under the new structure, FIC banner will be discontinued. Additionally, Zubin Gandevia will become president of Fox Networks Group Asia, while Jan Koeppen and Carlos Martinez will hold the same position Europe and Latin America respectively.

     

    All three will report to Fox Networks Group CEO and chairman Peter Rice and Fox Networks Group president and COO Randy Freer.

     

    “As our television business expands globally, the success and scale of our entertainment and sports brands in these fast-growing regions demand that they stand independently. Jan, Carlos and Zubin are extremely talented executives with a sharp understanding of the opportunities for new content and programming in their regions,” Rice said.

     

    “At Fox, I’ve been fortunate to work with some of the most talented and creative people in media. I want to thank the several thousand employees and alumni of FIC, as well as Peter Rice, Chase Carey, James, Lachlan and Rupert Murdoch. I’ve been inspired by them and many colleagues throughout Fox, News Corp and Sky, and look forward to future collaborations as I embark on this next stage of my career,” Lopez added.

     

    Gandevia, Koeppen and Martinez will oversee Fox Network Groups’ 350-plus international entertainment, sports, factual and movie channels.

  • Fox TV Group COO Joe Earley to step down

    Fox TV Group COO Joe Earley to step down

    MUMBAI: Fox veteran and current COO for Fox Television Group Joe Earley will step down from his role at the end of the year.  

    “Over the past 21 years, I’ve had the great fortune of working alongside some of the most talented and inspiring people in the business, from my co-workers and bosses, to the talent on our shows, both in front of and behind the camera. Because of the entrepreneurial spirit that pervades Fox, and the incredible support of the teams across the network, I have been afforded unbelievable opportunities for growth and new experiences. I’m very grateful to Dana Walden, Gary Newman and Peter Rice for their leadership and friendship, and for inviting me to join them at the Fox Television Group, which has allowed me to also appreciate the impressive team on the studio side. All of this new opportunity, however, as rewarding as it is, has led me further and further from the creative process, which is really where my heart wants to be. So, while I will miss my extended Fox family terribly, it is time for me to pursue the proverbial, ‘next chapter.’ As a former publicist, I thought I would never use that phrase, but it turns out that sometimes it’s true,” said Earley.

    Fox Television Group chairmen and CEOs Gary Newman and Dana Walden added,  “Joe is one of the most talented executives and gifted leaders we’ve ever had the pleasure of working with, so we are saddened that he has decided to step down. We have been discussing his desire to get closer to the creative process for a while now, and although we would love for him to stay at Fox for another 21 years, we understand and fully support his plans to take on new challenges. We are extremely grateful to Joe for his partnership, strategic insight and all of his contributions to the company, and we know we’ll be working with him again soon.”

     
    Fox Networks Group chairman and CEO Peter Rice said, “I have been fortunate to work with Joe for nearly seven years, and one of the things I admire most about him is the deep level of trust and confidence he’s built with our creators, talent and industry peers. His sharp business sense, passion for creativity and ability to inspire and mobilize teams have made him an extraordinary and beloved executive here at Fox – and he will undoubtedly have that same impact no matter what path he chooses to take next.”
     

    Earley has served as COO for Fox Television Group since August 2014, where he’s had oversight of marketing and communications, digital, research, talent relations, scheduling and audience strategy at Fox Broadcasting Company, and partnered with 20th Century Fox Television’s development, production, business affairs, marketing and finance leads on strategic initiatives, as well as publicity and talent relations at the studio.

    Previously, Earley served as COO of Fox Broadcasting Company, where he played a key management role in all areas of the network, including scripted programming and development, casting, scheduling, marketing and communications, research, audience strategy, digital and business affairs. Prior to that, he was president of marketing & communications for the network, having risen from previous positions as executive vice president of marketing & communications; executive vice president of publicity, corporate communications and creative services; senior vice president, publicity and corporate communications; and vice president, entertainment publicity.

    Before joining Fox as senior publicist in 1994, Earley spent several years in Media Relations at HBO. He began his entertainment career in production and development with producer Gale Anne Hurd.