Netflix appoints Peter Rice as chief content officer and cuts 1,000 jobs

Netflix announced that former Disney executive Peter Rice will replace Bela Bajaria as chief content officer, effective Oct. 26. The streaming company also disclosed a workforce reduction of about 1,000 positions, roughly 6% of its staff. Shares fell 3.5% in pre‑market trading after the news, adding to a 23% decline year‑to‑date. Analysts at Wedbush and BMO cut their price targets to $90 and $125 respectively ahead of the upcoming earnings report.

The leadership change and layoffs signal Netflix’s effort to improve viewer engagement and cost efficiency, but the immediate share‑price drop and lower analyst targets highlight heightened investor concern ahead of earnings.

  • 1Peter Rice, a former Disney and Fox executive, will become Netflix’s chief content officer on Oct. 26, replacing Bela Bajaria.
  • 2Netflix announced a reduction of approximately 1,000 jobs, about 6% of its workforce.
  • 3Netflix shares fell 3.5% in pre‑market trading on Friday.
  • 4The stock had already declined 23% year‑to‑date through Thursday’s close.
  • 5Wedbush cut its target price for Netflix to $90.
  • 6BMO Capital cut its target price for Netflix to $125.

Sources