Netflix announces exit of two senior leaders, to create new global position

Netflix has announced a significant leadership change, with the departure of two key executives: Dean Garfield, Vice President of Global Public Policy, and Rachel Whetstone, Chief Communications Officer.

To streamline its global affairs strategy, Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos is creating a new position, Chief Global Affairs Officer. This role will encompass both public policy and communications functions.

While the company is actively seeking a candidate for this new position, industry sources indicate that neither Garfield nor Whetstone was a strong contender. Garfield, who joined Netflix in 2019, is said to lack experience in communications, while Whetstone reportedly expressed disinterest in the broader role.

Garfield's previous roles include CEO of the Information Technology Industry Council and positions at the Motion Picture Association. Whetstone, a veteran of the tech industry, has held senior communications and policy roles at Google, Uber, and Facebook. Her tenure at Netflix began in 2018.