Ausfilm CEO Debra Richards leaves for Netflix

After nine years as CEO, Debra Richards is leaving content attraction organisation Ausfilm for Netflix’s newly created Sydney office to cover production policy in the Asia Pacific.

In her new role, Richards will be partly responsible for encouraging more Netflix commissions in Australia.

Richards will depart in August

Richards will leave her current role as of Aug 30 with Kate Marks, EVP of international production based in Los Angeles, taking up the role as interim CEO while the replacement process for Richards is underway.

Ausfilm chair Sam Mostyn said that while the company was disappointed that Richards had decided to move on, they were thankful for everything she had done in the role.

“Debra leaves an extraordinary legacy in transforming the organisation, advocating for and delivering key policy reforms that have benefited our members and the broader industry in attracting major production, VFX and post-production, developing and leading a highly skilled and well-respected team supporting Ausfilm’s membership and clients here and overseas, and nurturing invaluable relationships with government and industry across the spectrum,” said Mostyn.

“Debra is highly respected, a great leader and the consummate colleague. We will miss her and thank her for that legacy.”

Richards’ appointment comes shortly after the subscription streaming giant was revealed to be setting up a Sydney office, bringing Sarah Haines on as head of publicity for Netflix originals in ANZ and Nick O’Donnell as director of public policy.

Mostyn said more would be shared regarding the search for a new CEO in August.