The streaming wars aren’t just creating billion-dollar businesses—they’re also producing some of the highest-paid executives in corporate America.
As Netflix, Disney+, Max, Peacock, Paramount+ and Prime Video compete for subscribers and profits, their leaders oversee companies worth hundreds of billions of dollars.
Here’s a look at the executives leading the world’s biggest streaming companies!
1. Ted Sarandos (Netflix)
Netflix remains the world’s largest streaming company, and co-CEO Ted Sarandos continues to be one of entertainment’s most influential executives.
Sarandos has helped transform Netflix into the industry’s revenue and profit leader through blockbuster originals, global expansion and its fast-growing ad-supported tier.
Company:
Netflix
Why he’s among the highest paid:
Oversees the world’s largest streaming platform More than 325 million subscribers Record revenue and profits Global expansion strategy
2. Greg Peters (Netflix)
Greg Peters oversees Netflix’s business operations, technology and product strategy alongside Ted Sarandos.
Under the co-CEO structure, Netflix has continued posting record financial results while expanding advertising and live programming.
3. Bob Iger (Disney)
Bob Iger helped guide Disney’s streaming turnaround before stepping down as CEO in early 2026.
His most recently disclosed compensation package totaled approximately $31.6 million, reflecting salary, stock awards, bonuses and other compensation.
During his leadership, Disney+ and Hulu achieved consistent profitability while Disney strengthened its streaming strategy.
4. Josh D’Amaro (Disney)
Josh D’Amaro now leads Disney following Bob Iger’s departure.
As CEO, D’Amaro inherits one of the world’s largest entertainment companies with Disney+, Hulu and ESPN all playing central roles in Disney’s future streaming strategy.
His long-term compensation package has yet to be fully disclosed.
5. David Zaslav (Warner Bros. Discovery)
David Zaslav remains one of the highest-paid executives in entertainment.
His most recently reported annual compensation totaled nearly $50 million, while previous contracts also included stock awards valued at hundreds of millions of dollars.
He oversees Max and Warner Bros. Discovery’s global streaming business.
6. Brian L. Roberts (Peacock)
Brian Roberts oversees Comcast, the parent company of NBCUniversal and Peacock.
While Peacock continues growing through sports and original programming, Roberts also manages one of the largest telecommunications companies in the world.
7. David Ellison (Paramount+)
David Ellison now leads Paramount Skydance as the company continues expanding Paramount+ while pursuing its planned combination with Warner Bros. Discovery.
The company is focused on growing subscribers, improving profitability and strengthening its position in the increasingly competitive streaming market.
8. Andy Jassy (Prime Video)
Andy Jassy oversees Amazon, including Prime Video.
Although Prime Video is only one part of Amazon’s massive business, it remains one of the world’s largest streaming platforms thanks to its integration with Amazon Prime memberships.
Why Streaming CEOs Earn So Much
Running a global streaming platform involves overseeing:
Billions of dollars in annual content spending Global subscriber growth Advertising businesses Live sports rights International expansion Artificial intelligence initiatives Investor expectations
Executive compensation is typically made up of salary, annual bonuses, long-term stock awards and performance incentives tied to company results.
The Future of Streaming Leadership
As the streaming industry shifts from subscriber growth to profitability, CEO performance is increasingly measured by revenue, operating income and advertising growth rather than simply adding new subscribers.
The executives who successfully balance original programming, live sports, advertising and international expansion are likely to remain among the highest-paid leaders in media.
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