Former ABC Entertainment Chief Joins Netflix

Channing Dungey

Netflix Inc. has tapped former ABC Entertainment President Channing Dungey as a vice president of original content, the latest evidence of the growing rivalry between the streaming-video giant and ABC parent Walt Disney Co.

ABC said last month that Ms. Dungey was stepping down from her post as Disney looks to complete its acquisition of the bulk of 21st Century Fox Inc.’s entertainment operations. That deal, which is expected to close early next year, will result in new management at ABC and the rest of Disney’s television operations.

Ms. Dungey, who starts in February, follows other prominent people from ABC’s stable who have moved to Netflix. She will be reunited there with “Scandal” creator Shonda Rhimes and “black-ish” creator Kenya Barris, both of whom have signed deals to make content for Netflix. Earlier this year, Netflix hired Tendo Nagenda, a top Disney movie executive for a senior role in its film unit.

Netflix created a new position to land Ms. Dungey. She will report to Cindy Holland, Netflix’s vice president of original content. Netflix said Ms. Dungey will work closely with Ms. Rhimes and Mr. Barris as well as with other top Netflix talent.

Ms. Dungey will also work with former President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama, who signed a development deal with Netflix.