Netflix Hires Former Facebook and Uber Exec Rachel Whetstone as New Communications Chief

She takes over post following Jonathan Friedland’s firing in June

| August 27, 2018 @ 12:12 PM Last Updated: August 30, 2018 @ 10:21 AM
Netflix Logo

Netflix

Netflix on Monday named Facebook executive Rachel Whetstone as its new chief communications officer.

Whetstone joins Netflix from Facebook and previously led communications and policy at Uber and Google. She takes over the position after former communications chief Jonathan Friedland was fired in June after the company reported that he had used the N-word on multiple occasions while in office.

“Rachel is a proven communications leader and a strong addition to the Netflix team,” said Netflix CEO Reed Hastings in a statement. “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.”

Also Read: Disney Production Exec Tendo Nagenda Will Exit for Netflix

A graduate of Bristol University, Rachel worked as a political advisor in the U.K. before entering the private sector. She joined Google in 2005 and served as senior vice president of communications and public policy from 2010 to 2015.

She held the same position at Uber from 2015 till 2017, prior to joining Facebook as a VP last year.

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

Netflix in August: What's Coming and What to Watch Before It's Gone (Photos)

  • lord of the rings frodo New Line
  • The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society Netflix
  • Insatiable Netflix
  • Disenchantment Netflix
  • The Innocents Netflix
  • Ozark Season 2 Netflix
  • Finding Dory Pixar
1 of 7

From “Finding Dory” to “Ozark” Season 2

Arriving Aug. 1: "The Lord of the Rings: Fellowship of the Ring"

For anyone wanting to brush up on the "LOTR" series before the TV adaptation hits Amazon, now is your chance. The first installment of Peter Jackson's trilogy hits Netflix on the first of the month. 

View In Gallery

Related Content