# Netflix Replaces Content Chief as It Struggles to Engage Viewers

**By:** Ben Fritz  
**Published:** 2026-10-15T22:42:00.000Z  
**Source:** [The Wall Street Journal](https://www.wsj.com/business/media/netflix-replaces-content-chief-as-it-struggles-to-engage-viewers-c179e0ba)

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https://www.wsj.com/business/media/netflix-replaces-content-chief-as-it-struggles-to-engage-viewers-c179e0ba

Peter Rice, a former Fox and Disney executive, is taking over for Bela Bajaria

Bela Bajaria at an event in New York earlier this year. Roy Rochlin/Netflix/Getty Images

Netflix’s NFLX 2.89%increase; up pointing triangle Chief Content Officer Bela Bajaria is leaving the company, as it struggles with slowing growth and falling customer engagement. 
Bajaria, who had been at Netflix for a decade, will be succeeded by Peter Rice, a former executive at 21st Century Fox and Disney, Netflix said Thursday. 
One of the most powerful executives in Hollywood, Bajaria oversaw a roughly $20 billion budget for shows and movies for the global streaming platform. During her tenure, Netflix released blockbuster series including “Squid Game” and “Wednesday.” She also helped push the company into live events and sports including NFL football.
Netflix has recently struggled to come up with new hits to replace popular shows that have ended or are aging such as “Stranger Things” and “Bridgerton.”