Netflix’s CMO Kelly Bennett exits

Netflix’s chief marketing officer Kelly Bennett is to step down from the company after seven years in the role.

Bennett joined Netflix in 2012 and has led the company’s marketing efforts as it went from 26m subscribers to 139m global members.

He’s been instrumental in creating a campaign approach for Netflix’s original content, according to the company.

Bennett 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.”

Bennett added: “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. 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.”

Earlier this week, Netflix’s VP of international originals for Lat Am, EMEA and India, Erik Barmack, also departed the company with Bela Bajaria named as head of non-English international originals.