Bella Bajaria, the driving force behind some of Netflix's most iconic original shows and films, including Squid Game, Bridgerton, and Wednesday, has been pivotal in shaping the streaming giant's success. As the Chief Content Officer, she oversees an impressive portfolio of 500 projects from 27 countries, propelling Netflix to new heights.
Bajaria earned a spot on The Wrap’s prestigious 'Changemakers 2024' list, making her the only Indian-American woman recognized. This annual honor highlights 51 women who have made significant contributions to their industries, inspired change, and broken barriers over the past year.
The Indian-American executive has managed an enormous $17 billion production budget for Netflix in 2024, leading to significant accolades, including 24 Emmy wins for the platform.
On the business side, Netflix saw a 15% revenue increase, reaching $9.8 billion in Q3, continuing its upward trajectory despite slower subscriber growth. Hits like Blue Eye Samurai and Baby Reindeer have helped maintain this success.
Bajaria’s career journey is equally inspiring. Starting as a cashier in her parents' carwash, she later worked with major networks like CBS. She made history as the first Indian woman to lead Universal Television before joining Netflix in 2016. After seven years of leading scripted and unscripted content on the platform, she ascended to her current role as Chief Content Officer, securing her place among the most influential women in the industry.