The departure is the result of YouTube cutting back on its slate of original programming.
Susanne Daniels, the global head of original content at YouTube, will depart from the post after more than six years, during which she built the original content division of the company. Her last day will be March 1. YouTube has announced that it will be cutting back on its slate of original programming.
Daniels joined YouTube Originals in 2015 when the video-sharing platform announced the launch of a premium subscription tier with high-end original scripted programming. She developed and launched series such as Cobra Kai, which set YouTube viewership records before moving to Netflix and earning Emmy nomination for Outstanding Comedy Series, Step Up (now on Starz), On Becoming A God In Central Florida (moved to Showtime) Wayne (available on Prime Video) and Impulse from Doug Liman.
In 2018, the Google-owned streamer pivoted away from scripted and SVOD to focus on unscripted content under their core AVOD model. Daniels, who had started her career in unscripted at NBC decades ago, shepherded the transition with projects as Michelle Obama’s Emmy-winning Creators For Change, Will Smith’s Best Shape of My Life, and the Emmy-nominated Ascension with David Blaine.
Daniels was instrumental in overseeing the expansion of YouTube’s Originals’ footprint globally–targeting the UK, France, Germany, Japan, South Korea, India, Mexico and Brazil, where she developed shows featuring local YouTube star talents like stand-up Sofia Nino de Rivera (Mexico), finance expert Nathalia Arcuri (Brazil), actress Non (Japan), as well as KPOP sensations Twice and BTS. Her shows have been at the top of the YouTube trending tab in over 100 countries.
Throughout her tenure, Daniels also launched and oversaw an original slate of children’s programming including Kid Correspondent, Tab Time featuring Tabitha Brown and the Emmy-winning series Fruit Ninja and live-action series Lockdown which won the Prix-Jeunesse award. Daniels helped establish the YouTube Black Voices Fund, greenlighting stories such as Bear Witness: Take Action and Terms & Conditions in the UK.
Robert Kyncl, Chief Business Officer, added: “Susanne has been instrumental in establishing YouTube Originals as an integral and impactful aspect of our platform. I cannot overstate her division’s overwhelmingly positive impact on YouTube’s ecosystem. Her shows engaged YouTube creators and delighted YouTube audiences across the globe, and we are grateful to Susanne for her invaluable leadership over the past seven years.”
Earlier in her career, Daniels became the second female head of a broadcast network when she was named President of The WB. She served as President of Lifetime Television Networks as well as President of MTV Networks.
Daniels stated: “YouTube’s the biggest and best video platform in the world and what an exciting and tremendous experience I’ve had working to create meaningful programming for global users of all ages and backgrounds. I’m so proud that our YTO content could contribute to the ongoing growth and success of this remarkable platform, and I look forward to new adventures ahead.”
