Former Disney boss to run L.A. 2028 Olympics ceremonies

21st Century Fox and Disney Co. former executive Peter Rice was appointed as the head of events and content for the 2028 Summer Olympics and Paralympics in Los Angeles, as announced by LA28 officials on Wednesday.

In this position, the seasoned TV professional will oversee the practical aspects and creative direction of the opening and closing events for both games. For the 2028 Summer Olympics, the opening ceremony will take place at two locations – the Coliseum and SoFi Stadium. The Games’ closing ceremony will be staged at the Coliseum.

In his statement, Rice expressed his excitement about organizing events that would pay tribute to the historic Coliseum’s legacy and highlight the modern, innovative future of SoFi Stadium.

Rice stated, ‘These locations have been part of some unforgettable sports milestones.’ I’m excited to create an impactful artistic event that becomes another memorable piece in Los Angeles’ Olympic and Paralympic narrative.

Casey Wasserman, President and Chairman of LA28, stated that Rice’s unique blend of “creative abilities, strategic awareness, and exceptional production skills” made him a perfect fit for the role.

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Wasserman stated, “He has significantly influenced the contemporary TV and movie industry, making him an ideal choice for modernizing the opening and closing ceremonies to suit the digital era. The impact he’ll leave on the Games will extend far beyond them.

For over several decades, Rice worked his way up at Rupert Murdoch’s 21st Century Fox, ultimately holding the position of president. When Disney purchased the entertainment divisions of 21st Century Fox in 2019, he assumed the role of chairman for Disney’s television content section. At a certain point, some experts and insiders hinted that he might become Disney’s CEO.

In 2022, he was removed from his position due to concerns about “fitting in culturally,” according to insiders. Dana Walden, his top deputy, took over and is now considered a strong contender to become the next CEO of Disney, should Bob Iger step down.

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2025-07-23 19:31

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