- Hulu CEO Randy Freer is stepping down from the role as the head of the video streaming giant. These are the details.
Hulu CEO Randy Freer is stepping down from the role as head of the company. This change comes on the heels of Disney consolidating its direct-to-consumer units. In the announcement, Disney said that it is planning to “closely integrate Hulu” into its business operations and its executives will be reporting to Disney’s direct-to-consumer and international executives.
Disney took full control of Hulu in May 2019 after it fully acquired the rest of the stake from Comcast. Kevin Mayer, chairman of direct-to-consumer and international at The Walt Disney Company, has been assigned to oversee Hulu and the company’s streaming initiatives like Disney+ and ESPN+.
“I want to thank Randy for his leadership the last two years as CEO and for his collaboration the past several months to ensure an exceptionally bright future for Hulu,” said Mayer. “With the successful launch of Disney+, we are now focused on the benefits of scale within and across our portfolio of DTC businesses. Further integrating the immensely talented Hulu team into our organization will allow us to more effectively and efficiently deploy resources, rapidly grow our presence outside the U.S. and continue to relentlessly innovate. There is a tremendous amount of opportunity ahead, and I am confident in our ability to accelerate our positive momentum and better serve consumers.”
After Disney acquired Hulu, Hulu Sr. VP and head of content Craig Erwich started reporting to Disney Television Studios chairman Dana Walden instead of Freer. And a number of the Marvel shows on Hulu were canceled. Now Marvel programs that are launching on Disney+ are going to be managed by Marvel Studios head Kevin Feige.
Freer was hired as the CEO of Hulu in October 2017. And he succeeded Mike Hopkins, who is now the chairman of Sony Pictures Television.
“I am grateful for my time at Hulu, and the opportunity to work and learn with an incredibly talented and dedicated group of people,” stated Freer. “I also want to thank Kevin and The Walt Disney Company, as well as NBCUniversal and Fox, for providing me the opportunity to lead Hulu during a time of tremendous growth and significant industry transformation. Hulu has established itself as a leading choice for consumers looking for the best TV service available today, and I am confident Hulu will thrive inside Disney under DTCI’s leadership and resources.”
