Naomi Bulochnikov-Paul has found her next role just one day after announcing her departure from Disney Entertainment Television. According to Deadline, Bulochnikov-Paul is joining Netflix as VP of Communications, Series, beginning October 18.
The position marks a return to the streamer after she previously spent nine months at Netflix in 2018 before returning to Disney. In her new role, Bulochnikov-Paul will oversee communications across much of Netflix’s television business.
Deadline notes that her responsibilities will include scripted and unscripted series, documentary series, consumer products and experiences, including Netflix House, as well as the company’s growing work in live programming, sports, games, creators and podcasts. She will report to Netflix Chief Communications Officer Dani Dudeck, who led the search.
“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. She added that Bulochnikov-Paul will help lead communications as Netflix expands across scripted and unscripted programming, live events, sports and comedy specials.
The appointment also comes as Netflix continues navigating the next stage of its streaming business. As mxdwn previously covered, co-CEO Ted Sarandos acknowledged that Netflix’s growth had slowed compared with the rapid expansion the service experienced during the pandemic.
The appointment comes immediately after Bulochnikov-Paul announced the end of her eight-year run at Disney. She most recently served as EVP of Communications for Disney Entertainment Television, where she oversaw communications for brands including ABC Entertainment, ABC News, Disney Kids & Family, Disney Television Studios, FX, Hulu Originals and National Geographic Content.
Bulochnikov-Paul originally joined Disney in 2017 as VP of Communications at Freeform. After briefly leaving for Netflix in 2018, she returned to Freeform and steadily expanded her responsibilities across Disney’s television operations. She eventually became EVP of Publicity and Head of Communications for Disney General Entertainment and handled executive communications for Dana Walden during her time as co-chairman of Disney Entertainment.
Netflix has also recently added another longtime entertainment communications executive to its leadership team. Former Warner Bros. executive Katie Martin Kelly joined as VP of Communications, Film, overseeing film, animation, kids and family, licensing, and anime.
