Bela Bajaria, Netflix’s Chief Content Officer, commands one of the largest content budgets in the entertainment world, overseeing a $17 billion allocation for global programming in 50 languages. At 53, her journey from a nine-year-old immigrant in California to a powerhouse media executive symbolizes the transformative power of opportunity and ambition.
Born in London, Bajaria moved to California with her family after spending some years in Zambia. Her family established a car-wash business, and Bajaria’s upbringing in Torrance instilled a strong work ethic and entrepreneurial spirit. Inspired by 1980s pop culture, she fell in love with television, seeing it as a unifier that connected people from diverse backgrounds. She set her sights on a career in entertainment, despite Indian cultural expectations favoring more traditional professions like medicine or engineering.
After graduating from California State University, Long Beach, Bajaria landed her first job at CBS in 1996, where she quickly rose to lead the TV movies division. Her curiosity and drive distinguished her from peers, as she consistently pushed creative boundaries. A stint at NBCUniversal saw her revamp the Universal Television studio as its president, solidifying her reputation as a strategic innovator in television production.
Joining Netflix in 2016, Bajaria embraced the streaming giant’s fast-paced, agile culture. She has been pivotal in expanding Netflix’s international footprint, championing local-language content, and opening offices worldwide to cater to diverse tastes and cultures. This initiative reflects her deep respect for storytelling in its authentic form and her commitment to amplifying voices across the globe.
Bajaria’s leadership style, rooted in her family’s car-wash business, emphasizes a deep understanding of operations and collaboration. She refers to her division as her “studio car wash,” where every part must function cohesively to achieve success. This mindset has been instrumental in positioning Netflix as a trailblazer in global content production.
Despite her trailblazing career, Bajaria remains deeply connected to her roots. As an Indian-American woman in a male-dominated industry, she’s a mentor and inspiration for South Asians and women aspiring to break barriers in media. She takes time to meet with emerging talents and emphasizes the importance of representation, proudly wearing colorful saris to industry events early in her career.
Bajaria’s role extends beyond entertainment. She’s an advocate for education and gender equality, supporting Room to Read, a nonprofit focused on empowering girls through education. Her involvement has taken her to countries like Cambodia and Tanzania, where she’s witnessed the life-changing impact of literacy programs firsthand. Bajaria believes education is the antidote to child marriage and a catalyst for female empowerment, aligning with her vision of creating opportunities for women to thrive.
Reflecting on her journey, Bajaria often credits her parents’ courage in seeking a better future for their children. Her father’s belief in her potential, coupled with his high expectations, instilled confidence and a sense of responsibility. Today, she shares this legacy with her three children, Rami, Sofia, and Enzo, emphasizing the value of choice and opportunity in shaping their futures.
As a content executive, Bajaria thrives on the unpredictability of creating TV shows. She delights in discovering bold, authentic voices and bringing stories to life that resonate with audiences worldwide. Her work is driven by a singular goal: to create shows that viewers love so much, they can’t stop talking about them.
From her early fascination with television to leading Netflix’s unprecedented global content strategy, Bela Bajaria has redefined what it means to tell stories in the 21st century. Her journey is a testament to the power of determination, cultural connection, and the belief that entertainment can bridge divides and inspire change.
