Netflix film division restructure sees VPs Lisa Nishimura, Ian Bricke exit

Long-serving and influential Netflix film executives Lisa Nishimura and Ian Bricke are exiting their posts at the streaming giant as it reorganises its film group in the US.

Lisa Nishimura

With the reorganisation, Netflix’s previously separate units for producing small films and mid-sized films will be consolidated into a single unit.

With the restructure and departures, all of Netflix’s live-action films will now be overseen by Kira Goldberg, Ori Marmur and Niija Kuykendall. Netflix’s wider film operation is overseen by chairman of film Scott Stuber.

Nishimura, who has been with the streamer since 2007, is VP of original feature film and documentary programming. During her tenure, she has worked on acclaimed and brand-defining doc projects including My Octopus Teacher, Making a Murderer, Tiger King and American Factory, in addition to narrative films such as Oscar-nominated The Power of the Dog and upcoming sci-fi comedy They Cloned Tyrone.

Ian Bricke

“Lisa Nishimura joined Netflix in the DVD days, and as the company moved into streaming, she built our original documentary and stand-up comedy divisions from the ground up, and established Netflix as a powerhouse in both spaces,” said Stuber, adding that Nishimura has been a “champion for inclusion on and off screen, a leader and mentor to countless colleagues, and a trusted partner to the creative community.”

Bricke, who joined in 2011, is VP of original independent film. In his time at Netflix, he worked on film titles such as The Kissing Booth and established the streamer’s Emerging Filmmaker Initiative.

“Ian Bricke has been at the company for more than a decade, building and leading our independent film team, attracting filmmakers like Tamara Jenkins, Nicole Holofcener, and Mark and Jay Duplass,” said Stuber.

Bloomberg was first to report the news.