Holland leaves in Netflix rejig

Netflix VP of original content Cindy Holland is leaving the global streamer after almost two decades, with Bela Bajaria taking on a new role overseeing global television.

Cindy Holland speaking at INTV

Bajaria, who has overseen the streamer’s local-language productions around the world since early last year, has been promoted to the newly created role of VP, global television.

The rejig means the management structure of Netflix’s television unit more closely mirrors that of its film arm, which is run by VP, global film Scott Stuber.

Recently appointed Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos said the changes came as part of plans to simplify the company’s content teams.

Holland, who was responsible for acquiring and launching original series at Netflix, began her career at the Los Gatos-based firm in DVD acquisition in 2002 and later oversaw domestic TV licensing.

Before Netflix, Holland held various business and creative development roles at e-commerce startup Kozmo.com and at film production companies including Mutual Film Company and Baltimore/Spring Creek.

Bela Bajaria

Bajaria, who has overseen the creation of original content across EMEA, India, Asia and Latin America at Netflix, joined the streamer in 2016 from Universal Television, where she was president.

“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,” said Sarandos.

“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.”

Holland added: “It has been a real joy to lead the original series team for the last eight years. 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.”