Kevin Rice: A Career in Global Entertainment Leadership
From the early days of distribution to the helm of some of the world's largest media conglomerates, Kevin Rice has established himself as a pivotal figure in the entertainment industry. His trajectory spans decades of leadership across film, television, and streaming, transitioning from a corporate executive to an independent producer.
The Fox Era: Rising Through the Ranks
Rice began his professional journey in 1989 at Twentieth Century Fox. He started his tenure working under Tom Sherak, who served as the head of U.S. distribution and marketing for Fox Filmed Entertainment. This foundational experience in distribution paved the way for his ascent into executive leadership.
By 2000, Rice was appointed President of Fox Searchlight Pictures, the studio's specialty arm. His leadership expanded between 2007 and 2008 when he took oversight of Fox Atomic, a division focused on genre and comedy films. Under this banner, the studio produced notable titles such as Turistas and 28 Weeks Later. Fox Atomic eventually closed in 2009 as Rice transitioned into the company's television sector.
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Executive Leadership at Fox Networks Group
In 2012, Rice's influence grew as he became the chairman and CEO of Fox Networks Group. In this capacity, he supervised a massive portfolio of assets, including:
- Fox Broadcasting Company
- 20th Century Fox Television
- FX Networks
- Fox Sports (including FS1, FS2, and 22 regional sports networks)
- National Geographic Partners (encompassing the brand and its channels)
His ascent culminated in 2017 when he was named president of 21st Century Fox. While he continued to lead the Fox Networks Group—managing all TV assets except for Fox News, which operated independently—he also served as the chairman of the board for National Geographic Partners and acted as the lead executive on the board of directors for Hulu.
Transition to The Walt Disney Company
Following Disney's acquisition of many 21st Century Fox assets in 2019, Rice joined The Walt Disney Company as the chairman of Walt Disney Television. This role placed him in charge of all non-sports television businesses within the Disney ecosystem.
His oversight included a diverse array of brands: ABC Entertainment, ABC News, ABC Owned Television Stations, Disney Branded Television, Disney Television Studios, Freeform, FX, Hulu Originals, National Geographic, and the Onyx Collective.
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Under Rice's leadership, the division produced over 300 shows and 4,000 hours of content annually for Disney's networks and streaming platforms, including Disney+ and Hulu. This era was marked by significant critical acclaim, with Disney earning 146 Primetime Emmy Award nominations in 2021 and 147 in 2022. During this time, he also chaired the boards of A&E Networks and National Geographic Partners. Rice's tenure at Disney ended on June 9, 2022, when he was dismissed by CEO Bob Chapek.
Independent Production and Future Projects
Following his corporate career, Rice pivoted toward independent production. On June 1, 2023, he entered into a nonexclusive deal with A24, the renowned independent entertainment company.
His recent and upcoming production credits include:
- Saturday Night (2024): Produced for Columbia Pictures, directed by Jason Reitman.
- Warfare (2025): Written and directed by Ray Mendoza and Alex Garland for A24.
- 28 Years Later (2025): Written by Alex Garland and directed by Danny Boyle for Columbia.
- 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple: Written by Alex Garland and directed by Nia DaCosta.
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Upcoming Developments and Special Events
Rice continues to develop several high-profile projects. In film, he is working on Misty Green (written and directed by Chris Rock) and Elden Ring (written and directed by Alex Garland). In television, he is developing Fairy Tale with Paul Greengrass.
Beyond scripted content, Rice has been hired to produce the Olympic and Paralympic ceremonies for Los Angeles 2028 (LA28). While LA28 CEO Casey Wassermann has not disclosed a specific budget, the role marks a significant expansion of Rice's production portfolio into global live events.
Key Facts
- Career Start: Joined Twentieth Century Fox in 1989.
- Fox Leadership: Served as President of Fox Searchlight and later President of 21st Century Fox.
- Disney Tenure: Chairman of Walt Disney Television (2019–2022), overseeing 300+ shows annually.
- Production Partner: Signed a nonexclusive deal with A24 in June 2023.
- Major Event: Appointed producer for the LA28 Olympic and Paralympic ceremonies.
| Period | Organization | Primary Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1989–2017 | 21st Century Fox / Fox Networks | President / Chairman & CEO |
| 2019–2022 | The Walt Disney Company | Chairman, Walt Disney Television |
| 2023–Present | A24 / Independent | Producer |
| Upcoming | LA28 | Ceremonies Producer |
Frequently Asked Questions
What roles did Kevin Rice hold at Fox?
Rice held several senior positions, including President of Fox Searchlight Pictures, oversight of Fox Atomic, Chairman and CEO of Fox Networks Group, and eventually President of 21st Century Fox.
Which Disney brands did Kevin Rice oversee?
As chairman of Walt Disney Television, he managed ABC Entertainment, ABC News, ABC Owned Television Stations, Disney Branded Television, Disney Television Studios, Freeform, FX, Hulu Originals, National Geographic, and the Onyx Collective.
What is Rice's current relationship with A24?
Since June 1, 2023, Rice has had a nonexclusive deal with A24, through which he is producing projects such as Warfare.
What upcoming films is Kevin Rice producing?
His upcoming slate includes Warfare, 28 Years Later, and 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple, as well as development projects Misty Green and Elden Ring.
Is Kevin Rice involved in the 2028 Olympics?
Yes, Rice has been hired to produce the ceremonies for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games.