European Production: Mallett Exits

Netflix initiated a major restructuring in mid-October by releasing roughly 1,000 employees, which represented 6 percent of the global workforce. That was the company's largest headcount reduction since 2022. Details of the impact on the London office emerged this week.

Anna Mallett, who held the title of vice president for physical production in the U.K. and local-language content across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, is departing. Broadcast reported the news, and Netflix confirmed it to THR. The reductions at the London office affected between 2 percent and 3 percent of the local staff. The office employs several hundred people. Communications personnel and other roles were also impacted by the exits.

Mallett joined Netflix in November 2020. During her tenure, she oversaw series and films in the U.K. and EMEA region. Her portfolio included the series Baby Reindeer and Adolescence, as well as the later seasons of the Spanish series Money Heist. Prior to her role at Netflix, she served as CEO of ITN and as group chief operating officer and managing director of production at BBC Studios.

The U.S. side of the company also saw high-level changes. Chief content officer Bela Bajaria and film executive Dan Lin were among those affected. Peter Rice, a Hollywood veteran, replaced Bajaria.

Co-CEO Ted Sarandos addressed the changes during a call to discuss third-quarter earnings. He stated that the business model is functioning well and that a fundamental shift in strategy is unnecessary. He noted that the company needs better execution in the United States, even though global content is performing well. The U.S. market is growing, but not at the pace the company desires.

Sarandos added that the company produced strong titles this year. He explained that other territories rely on U.S. hits becoming global successes. The company is now focusing on improving that execution.