The Chairman/CEO of Fox Networks Group has earned a big promotion, becoming one of its parent company’s key leadership figures in the process.
In an announcement made Wednesday, Peter Rice has been elevated to the role of President of 21st Century Fox.
Rice will be charged with working with 21st Century Fox leadership on key strategic initiatives. But, he will also continue to serve as Chairman/CEO for Fox Networks Group, a role he has held since 2012.
Thus, he will continue to oversee Fox Broadcasting Company, FOX Sports, FX Networks, National Geographic, 20th Century Fox Television and Fox Networks Group Latin America, Europe and Asia, while taking a more prominent role under 21st Century Fox Executive Chairman Lachlan Murdoch and CEO James Murdoch.
The sons of Rupert Murdoch jointly commented in an announcement that Rice’s naming to the newly created position is part “of our ongoing work to evolve and expand the 21CF leadership structure.”
They added, “Peter has driven exceptional growth at Fox Networks Group during a time of real transformational change in the business, expanding our audiences and innovating new distribution models, from which the company, our shareholders and our customers have benefited greatly. Peter’s impact on the business is immense and we are incredibly fortunate to have him with us in this expanded role during this exciting next chapter of the Company.”
Stacey Snider, who serves as Chairman/CEO of 20th Century Fox Film, will continue to report directly to Lachlan and James Murdoch.
Additionally, the Fox News Channel will continue to report directly to Rupert Murdoch, who serves as its Executive Chairman.
At Fox Networks Group, Rice has helped in overseeing the expansion of FX into a three-network suite and the launch of the sports-focused FS1 and FS2 networks.
Rice has also overseen Fox’s participation in Hulu, where he serves on the board, and led the creation of the Digital Consumer Group which includes the streaming apps FOX NOW, FOX Sports GO, FX Now and Nat Geo TV.
Rice was also considered as a key driver in the successful formation of National Geographic Partners, for which he now serves as Chairman of the Board.
Rice’s history at the company is tied to his role as President of Fox Searchlight Pictures and, before that, as EVP/Production for 20th Century Fox.
Rice served as the supervising creative executive on X-Men, the film that began a global movie franchise that has since grossed more than $4 billion at the worldwide box office.
