Netflix has hired Disney veteran Christie Fleischer as its global head of consumer products to oversee retail and licensee partnerships, publishing, interactive games, merchandising and experiential events.
In her current role, Fleischer will lead a team focusing on developing the consumer products portfolio across all categories for Netflix original series and films. She joins the Los Angeles based team on September 4.
Commenting on the new role, Fleischer said, “I’m excited to begin this next chapter with Netflix. With the amazing series and films being developed on a global scale, we have the opportunity to truly revolutionize the way people engage with the characters and shows they love.”
“With the creative freedom offered here and the global audience, there’s a huge opportunity to deliver a best-in-class experience for people wherever they are,” Fleischer added further.
Fleischer joins Netflix from the Walt Disney Company, where she was most recently the head of merchandise for parks, experiences and consumer products. In her role, she leads a global business focused on product strategy, product development, creative, sourcing, supply chain, and logistics across Parks and Resorts, Disney Stores, and licensing.
“Christie brings a wealth of experience and creativity from the consumer products world. She has helped to build some of the world’s most beloved brands and we’re thrilled that she will join us to give our fans more opportunities to interact with Netflix in new and exciting ways,” said Kelly Bennett, Chief Marketing Officer.
Prior to her head of merchandise role, she was the Senior Vice President of retail and merchandise for Parks and Resorts where she oversaw merchandise product strategy, product development, planning, visual merchandising, store design, supply chain, and logistics. With a deep knowledge of the retail space, Fleischer’s experience also includes merchandise management for Warnaco Inc, American Pacific Enterprises, and The Disney Store.
Fleischer holds an M.B.A. from the Marshall School of Business at USC and a B.S. from West Chester University.
In August 2017, the company hired WWE’s former licensing Vice-President for North America, Jess Richardson, as its director of global licensing, merchandising and promotions to help ramp up its licensing efforts. Richardson will now report to Fleischer.
