Eric Schrier is stepping down as Disney's President of Direct-to-Consumer International Originals, Strategic Programming, and Emerging Media, but he is not leaving the company. The 26-year FX and Disney veteran will launch his own production company, which will be based at Disney Entertainment Television.
Disney Entertainment Television chairman Debra OConnell announced the change in an internal note, confirming that Schrier will transition from his executive role into a producing deal with the television division. The move keeps a longtime creative executive inside the Disney ecosystem while shifting him from oversight of international streaming originals to independent production.
The change comes as part of a broader shakeup of Disney's television leadership. Earlier the same day, Disney confirmed that Adam Smith will take over full oversight of direct-to-consumer operations. Smith had previously shared or overseen parts of that portfolio, and the consolidation gives him complete control of the company's streaming business at a time when Disney continues to refine its direct-to-consumer strategy.
Schrier's departure from the international originals post marks the end of a chapter in which he helped shape programming for Disney's streaming platforms outside the United States. His new production company will develop projects under the Disney Entertainment Television umbrella, though specific titles or genres were not disclosed.
The leadership changes reflect the ongoing reorganization of Disney's television and streaming operations. As direct-to-consumer becomes an increasingly central part of the company's business, executives with both creative and operational experience are being repositioned. Smith's expanded role suggests Disney wants a single leader accountable for the streaming platform's performance, while Schrier's production deal allows the company to retain a veteran producer with deep relationships in the creative community.
Schrier's tenure spans more than two decades across FX and Disney, a period that included the launch of numerous original series and the expansion of international content. His move to production follows a pattern of senior executives transitioning from corporate roles into production pacts, a common arrangement in the entertainment industry that allows companies to keep talent in-house while reducing executive overhead.
Disney has not announced a replacement for Schrier's previous role. It remains unclear whether the position will be filled or whether its responsibilities will be absorbed by other executives. The internal announcement did not specify a timeline for the transition or details about the types of projects Schrier's new company will pursue.
The shakeup arrives as media companies continue to adjust their streaming strategies amid changing consumer habits and pressure to improve profitability. Disney's direct-to-consumer business has been a focal point for investors, and leadership changes at the top of that division often signal shifts in priorities. Smith's full oversight of the segment gives him authority over programming, operations, and strategy at a critical moment.
For Schrier, the move represents a return to a more hands-on creative role after years of executive management. His production company will operate within Disney Entertainment Television, meaning his projects could eventually appear across Disney's platforms, including streaming services and linear networks. The arrangement is similar to deals struck with other high-profile producers who maintain close ties to major studios.
Further details about Schrier's production venture, including its name and initial slate, are expected to be announced later. Disney Entertainment Television declined to comment beyond the internal note.