Bajaria will replace Cindy Holland who will be departing Netflix in October as part of a major restructuring at the streaming platform.
Netflix has named Bela Bajaria as the head of a new global television division, replacing Cindy Holland, who led the streamer’s foray into original programming.
As part of the new role as VP Global TV, Bajaria will oversee English and local language original series, scripted and unscripted series as well as limited series. Bajaria, who joined Netflix in 2016, was the VP Local Language Originals, who led non-English TV programming.
The move is part of a major restructuring under co-CEO Ted Sarandos. In an emailed statement, Sarandos said: “Since becoming co-CEO, I’ve wanted to simplify the way our content teams operate – with one global film team led by Scott Stuber and one for TV, which will now be led by Bela Bajaria.
“Since joining Netflix in 2016, Bela has demonstrated her versatility and creativity – building out our unscripted team and helping to take our local language slate, which is increasingly important for our members, to the next level. I can’t wait to see what Bela and the TV team achieve in the years to come.”
In light of the consolidation and with no role for her in the new structure, Holland will be departing Netflix in October. Holland played a critical role in the company’s transition from licensing other companies’ shows to making its own, including House of Cards, Orange Is the New Black, Stranger Things and many more.
Commenting on her departure, Holland said: “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.”
