Netflix has made a major leadership change within its advertising division, parting ways with Jon Whitticom, the executive who played a key role in building the company’s ad technology and product operations. The move comes as Netflix continues expanding its advertising business and expects the division to become an increasingly important source of revenue.
According to Business Insider, Netflix advertising president Amy Reinhard informed employees about Whitticom’s departure in an internal memo. Whitticom had joined the company in early 2023 and later became vice president of Ads Product.
Netflix Memo Explains Why Jon Whitticom Is Leaving
In the memo, Reinhard praised Whitticom’s contributions to the business, including helping build Ads Product and leading the launch of the Netflix Ads Suite. However, she also made clear that her decision was tied to Netflix’s expectations for its leadership.
“At Netflix, we expect our leaders to build and maintain trust, share context generously, collaborate cross-functionally, and cultivate an environment where people can do their best work,”
Reinhard wrote. She added that she and Whitticom had discussed those expectations directly and that her decision
“reflects this standard now and going forward.”
Marc Heneghan will lead the Ads Product division on an interim basis while Netflix searches externally for Whitticom’s replacement. Reinhard also acknowledged that leadership changes can create disruption but said the company’s advertising priorities would remain unchanged.
Whitticom’s departure arrives at a significant moment for Netflix’s advertising strategy. Under his leadership, the company expanded its advertising technology and introduced the Netflix Ads Suite, while also making it easier for advertisers to buy Netflix inventory through major platforms.
Netflix has said its ad-supported business now reaches more than 250 million global monthly active viewers. The company has also continued expanding its ad technology, introducing new interactive formats, AI-powered tools and additional programmatic buying options.
The business remains a major growth priority. Netflix said at its recent Mexico Upfront that more than 60% of new subscribers in markets with an ad-supported tier are choosing that cheaper plan. Netflix also expects advertising revenue to reach approximately $3 billion in 2026, nearly double its 2025 figure. Netflix
Reinhard’s memo suggests the company is now looking for a new leader capable of guiding the next stage of that expansion.
“Speed got us from zero to one,”
she wrote.
“Getting to what’s next means knowing when to move fast and how to do it together.”
