Netflix global marketing chief Stephen Bruno has exited his post for MGM, where he has been named chief marketing officer. His departure follows that of Netflix CMO Kelly Bennett and marks a major shake-up for the streaming giant.
Bruno had been with the streamer since 2014, and is known as an innovator. He joins MGM to advise on both its film and television ambitions. He’ll work closely with MGM chief operating officer Chris Brearton, as well as MGM Worldwide TV Group chairman Mark Burnett — in addition to MGM Motion Picture Group chairman Jon Glickman and TV executive director Nancy Tellem.
“He has been at the forefront of developing disruptive marketing executions in traditional and emerging media spaces across the globe,” Brearton and Burnett said in a joint statement.
At Netflix, Bruno executed campaigns for a broad range of original series, including “Stranger Things,” “13 Reasons Why,” “Orange Is the New Black,” “The Crown,” and “Narcos.” He also handled defining Netflix features like “Bird Box,” “Mudbound,” and “To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before,” as well as high-volume documentaries and comedy specials.
Before heading to Ted Sarandos’ fold, Bruno worked at the Weinstein Company and Miramax Films in marketing president roles. He oversaw campaigns for theatrical releases like “Django Unchained,” “Silver Linings Playbook,” “Lee Daniels’ The Butler,” “The Artist,” and “Fruitvale Station.”
“I am honored and thrilled to be joining the MGM team and look forward to doing my part to build an exciting future for the iconic brand around the globe. My years at Netflix have been exhilarating and I am inspired to bring my learnings to one of the most legendary entertainment companies in the world, MGM,” Bruno said.
His exit raises questions about long-term marketing strategy for Netflix film and series. The streamer did not have an immediate comment on Bruno’s replacement.