Netflix’s Chief Marketing Officer Kelly Bennett has decided to step down from the company after seven years in the role.
Kelly joined Netflix in 2012 and has led the company’s marketing efforts as it grew from 26 million to more than 139 million paid subscribers (or ‘members’ in Netspeak) around the world today.
Bennett joined Netflix after nearly a decade at Warner Bros. where he was most recently Vice President Interactive, World Wide Marketing with the pictures group, leading international online campaigns for Warner Bros. movies. Before that Kelly ran digital marketing for Warner Bros. Pictures in Europe, the Middle East and Africa and worked in promotion and business development at the company.
“He’s been instrumental in helping to make Netflix a much loved brand – and pioneered the company’s campaigning approach to the launch of its original content.”
Kelly will stay in his role for a transitional period until a new CMO is named.
“Kelly Bennett has been absolutely transformational for us as we expanded our member base in the US and globally, and particularly as we transitioned into being a leader in original series and films,” said Reed Hastings, Netflix CEO.
“He has been a source of inspiration both inside Netflix and in presenting our brand to the world, and we are thankful for his enormous contributions.”
“The past seven years have been the most rewarding of my professional life, and we are at the top of our game, which is why this was the right moment for me to retire,” said Kelly Bennett.
“I am immensely proud of the team we have built and all that has been accomplished during my time here – and I will continue to be Netflix’s greatest fan.”