Peter Rice will remain a key creative force behind the LA28 Summer Olympics ceremonies even after taking one of Netflix’s top jobs.
LA28 chief Casey Wasserman confirmed Thursday night that Rice will continue as executive producer of the 2028 Opening and Closing Ceremonies. The clarification followed Netflix’s appointment of Rice as chief content officer, part of a leadership shake-up that saw Bela Bajaria ousted from that position.
Rice’s move to Netflix had raised questions about whether his pivotal Olympics assignment would be left vacant. Instead, he will retain a senior role overseeing the ceremonies while beginning his new job at the streamer.
“Peter has given the LA28 Ceremonies a vision worthy of the moment, and I am deeply grateful for all he’s accomplished,” Wasserman said. “Few people know how to tell a compelling story to the entire world at once, and Peter is one of those rare few.”
Wasserman added that Rice’s contribution will extend through the Games rather than ending with his Netflix appointment.
“I’m delighted that he’ll stay with us as Executive Producer for the Ceremonies, where his wisdom and counsel will continue to shape what the world sees in 2028,” he said. “I congratulate him on his new role. Netflix is fortunate to have him.”
Rice Retains His LA28 Responsibilities
Rice was selected in June 2025 to run the Opening and Closing Ceremonies for the Los Angeles Olympics. His continued involvement preserves the creative leadership already established for two of the Games’ most prominent events.
The executive previously served as chairman of Walt Disney Television and as head of 21st Century Fox. He exited Disney in June 2022.
His arrival at Netflix comes through a rapid executive transition at the company, with Rice stepping into the chief content officer position following Bajaria’s departure. Wasserman’s comments make clear that the new corporate role will not end Rice’s work with LA28.
The arrangement also provides a direct answer to the most immediate uncertainty created by the Netflix announcement: LA28 is not searching for a replacement to take over Rice’s ceremonies post. He will remain executive producer, with his perspective continuing to influence the presentations planned for 2028.
Wasserman’s Long Road to the 2028 Games
Wasserman has been closely involved with Los Angeles’ Olympic campaign for years. He led the city’s unsuccessful bid for the 2024 Summer Olympics and remained in charge through the awarding of the 2028 Games in 2017.
He has faced controversies in the years since. Earlier this year, however, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass said she had “full trust” in Wasserman. The LA28 board delivered its own vote of confidence several days later.
With Wasserman remaining at the organization and Rice staying aboard as executive producer, LA28’s announced leadership for the ceremonies remains intact despite the major change in Rice’s day job.
ShowBiz Take
Rice’s Netflix appointment could easily have triggered a significant creative change for LA28, especially because he had been chosen to lead both the Opening and Closing Ceremonies. Wasserman’s statement instead signals continuity: Rice will continue shaping the Olympics presentations while taking charge of content at Netflix.
That matters because LA28 had already placed its ceremonies under Rice’s leadership in June 2025. Keeping him as executive producer allows that work to continue rather than restarting the process under a new leader after his move to the streamer.
Wasserman’s praise also indicates that Rice’s value to the project extends beyond a title. By emphasizing his storytelling ability, “wisdom and counsel,” the LA28 chief framed Rice as an ongoing creative adviser whose involvement will help determine what audiences see in 2028.
What Happens Next?
Rice will begin his chief content officer role at Netflix while continuing as executive producer of the LA28 Opening and Closing Ceremonies. The ceremonies remain scheduled as part of the 2028 Summer Olympics, with Rice’s vision still set to guide their development.