Netflix has appointed Naomi Bulochnikov-Paul as vice president of Communications, Series, filling a closely watched corporate communications position. She will begin the role on October 18 and report to Netflix Chief Communications Officer Dani Dudeck.
The move brings Bulochnikov-Paul back to Netflix after an earlier nine-month stint with the company in 2018. Her appointment comes one day after she announced her departure from Disney, where she spent eight years and most recently served as executive vice president of Communications for Disney Entertainment Television.
In her new position, Bulochnikov-Paul will oversee communications for a wide-ranging television portfolio that covers Netflix’s scripted and unscripted series as well as documentary series. Her responsibilities will also extend to consumer products and experiences, including Netflix House.
The brief goes beyond Netflix’s traditional series business. Bulochnikov-Paul will handle communications involving emerging content areas that include live programming, sports, games and creators, including podcasts.
A return to Netflix
Bulochnikov-Paul’s new chapter follows a previous move from Disney’s Freeform to Netflix in 2018. She remained at the streamer for nine months before returning to Disney.
During her latest period at Disney, she led communications across the company’s collection of television and streaming brands. That portfolio included ABC Entertainment, ABC News, Disney Kids & Family, Disney Television Studios, FX, Hulu Originals and National Geographic Content.
She previously held the title of executive vice president of Publicity and head of Communications for Disney General Entertainment. In that role, she also managed executive communications for Dana Walden throughout Walden’s tenure as co-chairman of Disney Entertainment.
Dudeck, who led Netflix’s search for the Series communications chief, pointed to Bulochnikov-Paul’s two decades of experience and her understanding of how entertainment brands connect with audiences.
“Naomi brings 20 years of experience at the intersection of media and culture, and a sharp instinct for storytelling that captures the fandom and zeitgeist of the world’s most valuable entertainment brands,” Dudeck said.
“I’m proud to have her lead our Series communications as we elevate our storytelling around our growing business and incredible slate – from scripted and unscripted series to live events, sports, comedy specials and so much more.”
Netflix builds out its communications team
Bulochnikov-Paul’s arrival follows another recent senior communications hire from legacy media. Netflix brought in Warner Bros.’ Katie Martin Kelly as vice president of Communications, Film.
Kelly’s portfolio includes film, animation, kids and family, licensing and anime. Together, the two appointments establish separate senior communications leadership across Netflix’s film and series operations, with Bulochnikov-Paul taking charge of the television-centered portfolio and Kelly overseeing the film-focused areas outlined in her role.
What Happens Next?
Bulochnikov-Paul is scheduled to start at Netflix on October 18. Once in place, she will lead communications across a remit that stretches from scripted, unscripted and documentary programming to Netflix’s expanding work in live events, sports, games, consumer experiences and creator-led formats.