Global streaming powerhouse Netflix, Inc. today, June 26, 2025, announced a significant addition to its leadership, with the appointment of Ellie Mertz, Chief Financial Officer at Airbnb, Inc., to its Board of Directors. Mertz, a seasoned finance executive with a deep understanding of the tech and entertainment industries, will also serve on the board’s crucial audit committee.
The appointment, effective June 22, 2025, marks a notable return for Mertz to Netflix, where she previously held various finance roles, including Vice President of Finance, from 2006 to 2013. Her subsequent tenure at Airbnb, where she has served as CFO since March 2024 and was previously Vice President of Finance responsible for strategic finance, analytics, and investor relations, has further solidified her expertise in managing global financial operations for large, consumer-facing technology platforms.
Netflix co-CEOs Ted Sarandos and Greg Peters expressed their enthusiasm for Mertz’s addition to the board. “We are very pleased to welcome Ellie Mertz to the Netflix board,” they stated. “Ellie’s tenure at Airbnb, combined with her deep understanding of Netflix, makes her uniquely positioned to contribute to our strategic vision. Her experience as a public company finance professional and leader will be invaluable as we accelerate innovation and continue to entertain the world.”
Mertz herself conveyed her honor in joining the board of a company she holds in high regard. “I’m honored to be joining the board of Netflix, a company that played a formative role in my career,” said Mertz. “I’ve always held a deep respect for Netflix’s product and culture, and I look forward to working with the team to continue scaling the business and delighting consumers globally.”
Beyond her executive roles at Airbnb and her prior experience at Netflix, Mertz brings diverse board experience, currently serving on the boards of DoorDash, Inc. and Faire Wholesale, Inc. She holds a comprehensive academic background with a B.A. in Science, Technology & Society and an M.A. in History from Stanford University, an M.I.A. (Master of International Affairs) from Columbia University, and an M.B.A. from the Stanford Graduate School of Business.
Mertz’s appointment comes at a dynamic time for Netflix, as it continues to expand its global subscriber base, diversify its content offerings, and delve deeper into new avenues like advertising and gaming. Her financial acumen and strategic insights into scaling large consumer platforms are expected to be a significant asset to Netflix’s continued growth and innovation efforts.
In a related development, Netflix’s board also addressed the status of long-standing director Jay Hoag. Despite not receiving a majority of votes for re-election at the company’s annual shareholder meeting on June 5, the board rejected Hoag’s resignation, determining that his continued service as a lead independent director is in the best interests of the company and its stockholders, citing his otherwise exemplary attendance record prior to 2024 and continued engagement. Mertz’s appointment will see her fill a new director position, adding fresh perspective and expertise to the esteemed board.
Key Highlights:
- Ellie Mertz Joins Netflix Board: Netflix has appointed Ellie Mertz, the current Chief Financial Officer of Airbnb, to its Board of Directors, effective June 22, 2025.
- Return to Netflix: Mertz has a strong history with Netflix, having served in various finance roles, including Vice President of Finance, from 2006 to 2013, before joining Airbnb in 2013.
- Strategic Asset for Growth: Netflix co-CEOs Ted Sarandos and Greg Peters highlighted Mertz’s extensive experience in public company finance and her deep understanding of Netflix’s business as invaluable for accelerating innovation and global entertainment.
- Board Composition Updates: Mertz will also serve on the audit committee, and her appointment comes as the board decided to retain long-standing director Jay Hoag despite a shareholder vote against his re-election.