Netflix has named Clete Willems as its new Chief Global Affairs Officer, bringing a seasoned international policy expert into a key leadership role. The Netflix Clete Willems appointment signals a significant step toward strengthening the company’s global regulatory engagement amid increasing scrutiny of digital platforms worldwide.
Willems, a partner at Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP, has advised major multinational corporations and trade groups on economic law, global supply chains, and international regulatory strategy. He is expected to assume his new position at Netflix later this month, reporting directly to co-CEO Ted Sarandos and operating out of Washington, D.C.
A Bipartisan Resume: Willems Brings Experience From Two U.S. Administrations
The Netflix Clete Willems appointment comes with deep government experience spanning two presidential administrations. During the Trump administration, Willems served as a top White House economic and trade adviser, where he helped shape critical international negotiations, including engagements with China and the European Union. Under President Obama, he worked at the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative, offering him a rare bipartisan background in U.S. policy circles.
This cross-party experience makes Willems uniquely equipped to represent Netflix on the global stage as it continues to expand its presence in over 190 countries. His work at Akin Gump, where he specialized in digital policy, trade law, and international economic strategy, complements Netflix’s evolving role as both a global content creator and a digital platform under mounting regulatory pressure.
Netflix’s New Chapter in Global Policy Strategy
Willems’ hiring underscores a growing priority for Netflix: the ability to navigate complex global policy environments. As streaming services face increased governmental scrutiny over content moderation, taxation, and competition policy, Willems’ arrival reflects a strategic shift toward proactive, informed global advocacy.
Ted Sarandos, Netflix co-CEO, described the move as pivotal for the company’s long-term growth:
“We are excited to welcome Clete Willems as our Chief Global Affairs Officer. Clete’s strong background in policy strategy and international relations will be key in guiding our global efforts. His expertise will help Netflix engage effectively with leaders worldwide, advocating for policies that support continued investment, innovation, and growth.”
Leadership Restructuring at Netflix: A Unified Global Vision
The Netflix Clete Willems appointment is part of a broader leadership restructuring. In late 2024, Netflix announced the departures of Rachel Whetstone, Chief Communications Officer, and Dean Garfield, VP of Global Public Policy. At that time, Netflix outlined its intention to combine communications and policy functions under a unified global strategy.
Willems is now tasked with shaping the policy side of that combined vision. While a replacement for Whetstone has not yet been named, a company spokesperson confirmed that the search for a new communications head is ongoing.
This restructuring is seen as a strategic consolidation designed to sharpen Netflix’s messaging and engagement across regions with differing regulatory frameworks — from Europe’s Digital Services Act to evolving legislation in Asia and Latin America.
What the Netflix Clete Willems Appointment Means for the Streaming Industry
The Netflix Clete Willems appointment may serve as a bellwether for other global streaming platforms. As governments demand greater transparency, localized content controls, and contributions to domestic production ecosystems, policy veterans like Willems will play a critical role in defining how companies respond — and influence — such regulations.
For Netflix, whose market includes countries with vastly different political climates and legal frameworks, having a leader like Willems could offer not just compliance but competitive advantage. His mix of diplomacy, legal precision, and global strategy fits the increasingly complex landscape that streaming services must navigate.
The Netflix Clete Willems appointment isn’t just another executive hire — it’s a strategic statement. As Netflix matures from a disruptive innovator into a global media institution, the need for sophisticated, well-informed policy engagement has never been more crucial.
With Clete Willems at the helm of global affairs, Netflix is signaling that it’s ready to shape — not just respond to — the next phase of international media regulation.
Stay tuned as Netflix continues to evolve its leadership and global influence in 2025 and beyond.
Source – THR
