Alisa Bowen, who has notably served as the president of Disney+ since September 2022, is departing from her current role to assume the position of Chief Executive Officer at Fubo. Fubo is an internet television streaming service in which Disney holds a controlling interest.
Fubo officially announced on Thursday that its board of directors has designated Bowen as the new chief executive, with her tenure commencing on July 10. She will be taking over from David Gandler, a co-founder of FuboTV, who has led the company as CEO for over ten years. Gandler is also stepping down from the Fubo board.
This executive transition occurs subsequent to the completion of a major deal last autumn, where Disney and Fubo finalized the merger of Hulu + Live TV operations with Fubo. As a result of this merger, Disney now possesses a 70% ownership stake in the newly combined enterprise. It remains uncertain if Disney will name a direct replacement for Bowen at Disney+, given that the media conglomerate has restructured its streaming operations under a unified business model.
The unified streaming business at Disney is now overseen by Joe Earley and Adam Smith, who serve as co-presidents of Disney’s direct-to-consumer division. They collectively manage the strategic direction and financial outcomes for both Disney+ and Hulu. Earley is additionally responsible for content strategy within the DTC sector, while Smith maintains his roles as chief product and technology officer for Disney Entertainment and ESPN. Bowen has contributed to Disney’s leadership for nearly a decade, having been a pivotal member of the initial streaming leadership team, instrumental in developing and scaling Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+. Prior to her time at Disney, she held senior management positions at News Corp, Dow Jones, and Thomson Reuters.
Andy Bird, chairman of Fubo’s board and a former chairman of Walt Disney International and CEO of Pearson, commented on Bowen's appointment. He stated that Fubo has reached a crucial phase in its strategic development following the integration with Hulu + Live TV, boasting a robust pay TV platform, a strong content portfolio, and a distinct place within the Disney ecosystem. Bird highlighted Bowen's appointment as the result of a thorough selection process conducted by the independent directors, seeking a leader to propel Fubo's strategy and performance. He further emphasized Bowen’s nearly 30 years of experience in product, digital, and operational leadership, including her key roles across Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+, and her proven ability to drive global subscriber growth and profitability. The board anticipates benefiting from her expertise as Fubo embarks on its next chapter.
In a statement, Bowen expressed her enthusiasm for leading Fubo into its new phase, with a focus on refining its strategy across sports, news, and entertainment, accelerating growth, and achieving profitability. She aims to deliver enhanced value to Fubo and Hulu + Live subscribers, advertisers, and content partners, and looks forward to collaborating with the talented leadership team to solidify Fubo's position as an industry leader and generate significant shareholder value. Gandler, in his own statement, reflected on his honor in leading Fubo since its inception and expressed immense pride in the team's achievements over the past eleven years, stating his eagerness to observe the company's continued growth and success. Bowen is also expected to join Fubo’s board, subject to approval following the company’s annual stockholders' meeting on July 28.
Bowen, aged 53, earned a bachelor's degree in public relations from Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology and an MBA with distinction from London Business School. An SEC filing by Fubo indicates that Bowen’s annual base salary will be $1.575 million, with eligibility for an annual performance bonus targeted at 120% of her base salary, pro-rated for 2026 based on her employment period. Additionally, her employment agreement includes a restricted stock unit award valued at $3.5 million upon commencement, intended to compensate for forfeited unvested equity awards from Disney. She will also receive an annual equity award for 2026 worth $8 million and a one-time bonus of $1.1 million if she remains employed through December 31, 2026.
The appointment of Alisa Bowen as CEO of Fubo signifies a forward-looking transition for both Fubo and the broader streaming industry. Her extensive experience and proven leadership in the digital and streaming sectors are poised to drive Fubo toward innovative strategies, expanded market presence, and increased profitability. This move underscores the dynamic nature of the media landscape, where strategic leadership is crucial for navigating evolving consumer demands and technological advancements. Bowen's new role represents a significant step in her career, offering the opportunity to shape the future of a key player in the competitive streaming market, ultimately enriching the entertainment experience for audiences worldwide and fostering continued growth within the industry.
