Kelly Luegenbiehl exits Netflix after eight years, as Jinny Howe expands remit

The Witcher (Source: Netflix)

Kelly Luegenbiehl, Netflix’s UK-based VP of franchise and spectacle series, is exiting after more than eight years at the global streamer.

Her departure comes as part of a restructure by Peter Friedlander, Netflix’s head of scripted series for the US and Canada, which will see LA-based head of drama Jinny Howe take on spectacle and event series, alongside current series, overall deals and licensed content.

The changes will streamline the division under Howe and VP of comedy Tracey Pakosta, with both reporting directly to Friedlander, according to Deadline which first reported the moves.

Luegenbiehl joined Netflix in 2015, starting out as director of international originals and was promoted several times before being named as VP of franchise and spectacle series in 2020. During her time at the streamer, she helped to develop and expand the fantasy drama franchise The Witcher.

Howe, meanwhile, joined Netflix in 2018 from John Wells Productions, where she spent more than 13 years, latterly as EVP and head of television. At Netflix she has worked on titles including Bridgerton, Inventing Anna and The Lincoln Lawyer.

“Kelly’s an incredible colleague and has had a tremendous impact in her 8+ years at Netflix, including building the foundation for our local-language originals and launching hit series such as Dark, Lupin, Sacred Games, Elite and The Witcher,” said Friedlander.