Netflix appoints former US national security advisor to the board

Netflix has appointed Ambassador Susan E. Rice, a former US national security advisor and ambassador to the United Nations, to its board of directors.

Susan Rice

The US video streaming giant said that Rice’s experience would benefit the company, while Rice said that she deeply admires, and is thrilled to be joining, the “cutting-edge company”.

“We are delighted to welcome Ambassador Rice to the Netflix board,” said Netflix co-founder and CEO Reed Hastings. “For decades, she has tackled difficult, complex global issues with intelligence, integrity and insight and we look forward to benefiting from her experience and wisdom.”

Rice is currently a distinguished visiting research fellow at American University’s School of International Service, non-resident senior fellow at the Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs at Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government, and a contributing opinion writer for the New York Times.

From 2013-2017, Rice directed the US National Security Council staff, chaired the National Security Principals committee, provided the daily national security briefing to President Barack Obama, and was responsible for the administration’s foreign and national security policy, intelligence and military efforts.

From 2009 to 2013, she served as the US permanent representative to the United Nations and as a cabinet member. Prior to this Rice held positions as US assistant secretary of state for African affairs and as a special assistant to President Bill Clinton, senior director, and director on the National Security Council staff.

In January Netflix added Eutelsat CEO Rodolphe Belmer to its board, in a move it said would expand the breadth of the company’s global and entertainment experience.

Netflix’s 11-person board also includes: former Disney/ABC Television Group president Anne Sweeney; Microsoft president and chief legal officer Brad Smith; and general partner of technology at Crossover Ventures, Jay Hoag.