Disney's Peter Rice Fired And Dana Walden Promoted
Former head of Disney replaced by colleague.
Thursday, The Walt Disney Company announced Peter Rice, Disney Chairman of General Entertainment Content would be replaced by former colleague Dana Walden. Rice and Walden moved to Disney after the purchase of 21st Century Fox in 2019.
“It has been such a pleasure and a privilege to work alongside each of you here at Disney and many of you at 21st Century Fox. I am so proud of the work we have done together, the friendships we have forged and the consistent success we have celebrated,” said Rice in his final email to staff.
The news of Rice’s termination came as a surprise to the entertainment industry. Rice was told the news on Wednesday and had cancelled an appearance at the premiere of The Old Man.
“Dana is a dynamic, collaborative leader and cultural force who in just three years has transformed our television business into a content powerhouse that consistently delivers the entertainment audiences crave,” said CEO Bob Chapek in a statement.
Walden’s achievements in entertainment were outlined in the statement from Disney. Her achievements included, but are not limited to: Abbott Elementary, Summer of Soul, Only Murders in the Building, and The Kardashians.
“It is an incredible honor to be asked to lead this amazingly talented team — they are truly the absolute best in every respect — and I am grateful to Bob for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” said Walden in a press statement from Disney.
Disney did not mention the cause of Rice’s termination in their news release announcing the promotion of Walden. The news release announced that Walden would report directly to Chapek.
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