Disney int’l head of D2C originals Eric Schrier steps down amid streaming rejig

Eric Schrier at Content London 2025

Eric Schrier is stepping down from his role as head of direct-to-consumer (D2C) international originals at Disney amid a wider shake-up of the media giant’s streaming business.

Disney on Thursday revealed that Schrier, who has been with the company for more than 25 years, is transitioning to a production deal.

At the same time, direct-to-consumer co-presidents Adam Smith and Joe Earley are set to take on new roles.

Smith has been elevated to chairman of Disney Entertainment’s D2C business, with oversight of the global D2C business spanning strategy, development, innovation and emerging technologies. His new role will also include oversight of product, engineering, programming, advertising tech, partnerships and analytics for both Disney+ and Hulu.

Earley will become president of Disney Entertainment Television’s franchise and content strategy, responsible for strategic franchise development as well as all content and production for international originals.

Smith will report to Dana Walden, who became president and chief creative officer at Disney around seven months ago, while Earley reports to Disney Entertainment Television chairman Debra OConnell.

Schrier’s exit comes with Disney poised to meaningfully expand its international output on Disney+. During an appearance at Rio2C in May, the exec revealed that Disney+, which currently makes around 100 international originals a year, is poised to double that over the next three years. Since then the company has gone a step further, claiming the goal is to “roughly triple” the number of international originals over three years, following the successes of titles like UK period dramedy Rivals, Spanish-language drama Dear Killer Nannies and Korean romcom The Perfect Crown.

Earlier in his Disney tenure, Schrier was the president of Disney Television Studios, a role that saw him overseeing 20th Television and 20th Television Animation. Prior to that, he spent more than 20 years at FX.

“As Eric and I have been talking about the future, he shared with me his desire to return to his creative roots,” said OConnell in an internal memo.

“After an extraordinary 26 years at Disney, including as one of the early architects of FX, Eric has decided this is the right moment to pursue that next chapter. I’m so pleased that we’ll continue working together through a new producing partnership with [Disney Entertainment Television]. Eric plans to share more about what’s ahead soon, and we’re excited about what we’re going to create together.”