Randy Freer Named CEO of Hulu

24 Oct, 2017 By: Erik Gruenwedel

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Mike Hopkins joining Sony Pictures as chairman

Hulu Oct. 24 announced that CEO Mike Hopkins is leaving the company to become chairman of Sony Pictures. Replacing the four-year chief executive is Randy Freer, who currently serves on the Hulu board.

Freer, who has been COO of Fox Networks Group since 2013, will be based at Hulu’s headquarters in Los Angeles. 21st Century Fox, along with The Walt Disney Co., Comcast and Time Warner, is co-owner of Hulu.

At Fox, Freer oversaw revenue, distribution, operations, business development and strategy for all aspects of the television group, Television, FX, Fox Sports and National Geographic Partners, and was responsible for rights acquisitions and team and league relationships on behalf of Fox Sports.

“Randy has a unique knowledge of Hulu and expertise building consensus among its owners, and an excellent track record leading a complex organization at the nexus of the television business. There’s no better candidate to lead Hulu as it embarks on its next chapter,” the board said in a statement.

Under Hopkins’ leadership, Hulu built an original programming slate that includes Golden Globe-nominated comedy “Casual,” “The Mindy Project,” “The Path” and drama “The Handmaid’s Tale,” which recently won eight of Hulu’s 10 Primetime Emmy Awards, including for Outstanding Drama Series.

Hopkins also led the company’s expansion into online TV with the launch of a live news, entertainment and sports package dubbed “Hulu Live.” The combined SVOD and online TV services have 47 million subscribers.

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