The reorganisation will see top executives across Hulu operations such as distribution, sales, and marketing report directly into the corresponding DTCI business leads.
Streaming service Hulu’s CEO Randy Freer has announced that he will be stepping down from his role as Disney is moving forward to integrate Hulu in a streaming triumvirate with ESPN Plus and Disney Plus.
Disney will now integrate Hulu into its business operations under Direct-to-Consumer & International chairman Kevin Mayer.
Freer was named CEO of Hulu in October 2017, replacing Mike Hopkins. Previously, he worked for the Fox Networks Group, where he was president and COO since 2013, and a Hulu board member before being named chief executive.
In recent years, he oversaw negotiations that led to long-term agreements with the National Football League, Major League Baseball, NASCAR, and the USGA, as well as with the Pac-12, Big 12, and Big East Conferences.
Freer also played a significant role in Fox’s landmark acquisitions of the World Cup and the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC).
Commenting on his departure, Freer said: “I am grateful for my time at Hulu, and the opportunity to work and learn with an incredibly talented and dedicated group of people. I also want to thank Kevin and The Walt Disney Company, as well as NBCUniversal and Fox, for providing me with 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.”
In a statement, Kevin Mayer said: “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. With the successful launch of Disney Plus, we are now focussed on the benefits of scale within and across our portfolio of DTC businesses.”
