Bela Bajaria: The Netflix Executive Shaping Global Streaming Culture

Bela Bajaria's influence at Netflix extends far beyond just managing content. As Chief Content Officer, she's redefining global storytelling for the streaming giant.

And the results speak for themselves. This week, Netflix garnered an impressive 35 Golden Globe Award nominations, recognizing films like *Frankenstein*, *KPop Demon Hunters*, and series such as *Adolescence*.

From Car Washes to Netflix's Top Spot

Born in London to Indian parents, Bajaria's early life involved helping out at her family's car wash business. After her family relocated to the US, she graduated from California State University in 1995. Her career began at CBS as an assistant in the movies-and-miniseries department.

She absorbed knowledge by carefully reading every script and the accompanying executive notes. Her dedication was soon noticed. At just 26, a departing executive recommended her as his replacement.

"Everyone was my mentor, but they just didn’t know it," she told Forbes. "And, I never thought in a million years this person was paying enough attention to say you should give her my job. It was my biggest break for sure."

Her career gained momentum when she joined Universal Television, eventually becoming its president. This marked the first time a woman of color had led a major Hollywood studio. During her time there, Universal produced successful shows such as *The Mindy Project*, *Brooklyn Nine-Nine*, *Master of None*, and the *Chicago* franchise.

That said, the reality is a bit more complicated. she faced a significant setback when she was fired in June 2016, reportedly for "refusing to play the game," as she told Forbes.

Just a few months later, Netflix offered her a position, and her career trajectory accelerated rapidly.

Joining Netflix during a period of aggressive expansion, Bajaria quickly became a crucial creative force within the company. She rose to become Head of Global TV and, in 2023, was appointed Chief Content Officer.

This promotion placed her at the helm of Netflix's creative direction. Every decision regarding new shows, films, cancellations, and strategic shifts now requires her approval.

Bajaria's strength lies in her rejection of a one-size-fits-all approach to content. Instead, she excels at curating a diverse selection where a Korean survival drama, a British romance, and an Indian series can all thrive.

Under her leadership, Netflix has delivered global hits like *Squid Game*, *Sacred Games*, *Lupin*, and *Money Heist*.

"We’ve always done well because we really have local creative executives who speak the language, come from the culture, or live there," Bajaria explained in an interview.

Beyond Streaming: A Wider Influence

Bajaria's influence extends beyond Netflix. She serves on the board of The Coca-Cola Company.

"Bela brings a wealth of experience in global business, from building and leading teams to setting strategy," said James Quincey, chairman and CEO of The Coca-Cola Company, to Variety.

She also participates in various cultural and civic organizations, including The Paley Center, and is involved in community health initiatives in Los Angeles. These roles demonstrate her understanding of media's role within a broader context.

Bajaria's accomplishments have earned her recognition as one of the world's most powerful women by Forbes and Fortune, and she has been featured on TIME's list of the 100 most influential people. She consistently ranks among Hollywood's top executives.

Ultimately, Bajaria's core responsibility is deciding which stories get told. Her decisions have transformed Netflix from a primarily American content provider into a global platform showcasing diverse voices.

So, the next time Netflix asks, "Are you still watching?", chances are Bela Bajaria has already anticipated your answer.