• by Karlene Lukovitz  @KLmarketdaily, September 9, 2020

New Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos is shaking up the streaming platform’s content leadership.

In a surprise announcement, Cindy Holland — an 18-year veteran of Netflix currently serving as vice president original content — is leaving the company and Bela Bajaria is being promoted to vice president of global TV.

Bajaria, who was president of Universal Television before joining Netflix in 2016, has most recently served as vice president of local language originals.

In her new role, she will serve alongside Scott Stuber, vice president of original films. Both will report to Sarandos, who architected Netflix’s content strategy and was named co-CEO to Netflix founder Reed Hastings in July.

“Since becoming co-CEO, I’ve wanted to simplify the way our content teams operate — with one global film team led by Scott Stuber and one for TV, which will now be led by Bela Bajaria,” Sarandos said in a statement.

"These kinds of changes are never easy, and I am enormously grateful to Cindy Holland for everything she has done over the last 18 years at Netflix — first licensing DVDs and then as the driving force behind our first eight years of English original series,” Sarandos continued. “Cindy’s been a great champion of creators and the power that comes from seeing more perspectives reflected on screen — launching enduring dramas like 'Orange is the New Black,' 'Stranger Things' and 'The Crown.' Most important of all, she’s been a fabulous colleague. We wish her all the best for the future.”

 “It has been a real joy to lead the original series team for the last eight years,” stated Holland. “From transitioning the company out of DVDs into streaming, to launching our first slate of original series and documentaries, I've loved every moment. I am proud of the impact and the diversity of the stories we’ve brought to audiences around the world, and to have worked with some of the most inspiring creators and executives in our business.”

Holland, who joined Netflix after serving as vice president business development at Kozmoto.com, “becomes a free agent at a time when major companies continue to look for experienced women to take on leadership roles,” notes The Hollywood Reporter. “As such, Holland will likely field plenty of calls should she wish to take on a new entertainment venture.”

Holland’s departure happens to come at as Hastings is heavily promoting his new book, “No New Rules: Netflix and the Culture of Reinvention.” The book details Netflix’s corporate philosophy — including its “Keeper Test,” designed to ensure that every employee is exceptional rather than “merely adequate,” as well as a relentless “360” assessment and feedback process for all employees and managers. Hastings has insisted that he is subject to the same rules, and that the company’s board would replace him if it became the best option for the company.