David Farnor | On 02, Sep 2018

Netflix has hired Facebook veteran Rachel Whetstone as its new Chief Communications Officer. Responsible for leading she joins Netflix from the social network, having previously led communications and policy at Uber and Google.

“Rachel is a proven communications leader and a strong addition to the Netflix team,” says Reed Hastings, Netflix Chief Executive Officer. “Her deep knowledge and international expertise will be invaluable as we bring Netflix and its expanding lineup of original content to an increasingly global audience.”

“I’m so excited to be joining Netflix and being part of this amazing company’s story,” adds Whetstone.

A graduate of Bristol University, Rachel worked as a political advisor in the UK before entering the private sector. She joined Google in 2005 and served as Senior Vice President of Communications and Public Policy at Google from 2010 to 2015. She held the same position at Uber from 2015 till 2017, prior to joining Facebook as a Vice President of Communications last year.

She replaces Jonathan Friesland, who was dismissed from the same post earlier this year, following “insensitive” remarks made to staff, including the use of the N-word in a meeting.

Netflix has also announced a new role at company – Vice President, Inclusion Strategy – to help “devise and implement strategies that integrate cultural diversity, inclusion and equity into all aspects of Netflix’s operations worldwide”.

Appointed to the position is Vernā Myers, who has consulted with a wide range of major corporations and organisations over the past two decades through The Vernā Myers Company on how to help eradicate barriers based on race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation and other differences and to make more just, compassionate, and productive work environments.

“Having worked closely with Vernā as a consultant on a range of organizational issues, we are thrilled that she has agreed to bring her talents to this new and important role,” says Jessica Neal, Netflix Chief Talent Officer. “As a global company dedicated to attracting the best people and representing a broad range of perspectives, Vernā will be an invaluable champion of our efforts to build a culture where all employees thrive.”

“I have been a longtime fan of the inclusive and diverse programming and talent at Netflix, and then I got a chance to meet the people behind the screen. I was so impressed by their mission, their excellence, and decision to take their inclusion and diversity efforts to a higher level,” adds Myers. “I am so excited and look forward to collaborating all across Netflix to establish bold innovative frameworks and practices that will attract, fully develop, and sustain high performing diverse teams.”

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