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Rachel Whetstone
Chief Communications Officer at Netflix
Rachel Whetstone is a prominent British public relations executive currently serving as the Chief Communications Officer (CCO) at Netflix, a position she has held since August 2018. In this role, she oversees global communications for the streaming giant, contributing to its strategic messaging and public relations efforts as it navigates a competitive entertainment landscape.
Career Overview
Whetstone's career spans over two decades in communications and public policy, primarily within major technology companies. Before joining Netflix, she held significant roles at:
- Facebook (Meta): As Vice President of Communications for WhatsApp, Instagram, and Messenger from September 2017 until her transition to Netflix in 2018.
- Uber: She served as Senior Vice President of Communications and Public Policy from June 2015 to April 2017. Her tenure at Uber was marked by challenges related to the company's public image and internal controversies.
- Google: Whetstone spent nearly a decade at Google, where she rose through the ranks to become Senior Vice President of Communications and Public Policy from 2011 to 2015. She was instrumental in managing the company's communications during significant regulatory scrutiny.
Education
Whetstone graduated with a degree in History from the University of Bristol in 1989. Her early career included roles in UK politics, where she advised senior politicians, including serving as Chief of Staff to Michael Howard during his leadership of the Conservative Party.
Recognition
In recognition of her influence in the field, Whetstone has been featured on various power lists, including being named one of the 100 most powerful women in the UK by BBC Radio 4's Woman's Hour in 2013 and appearing multiple times on PRWeek's Power List.
Personal Life
Rachel Whetstone is married to Steve Hilton, a political commentator. They reside in Atherton, California. Her background includes familial ties to libertarian think tanks through her grandfather, which may have influenced her career trajectory in communications and public policy.
Whetstone's extensive experience and leadership in communications have positioned her as a key figure in shaping Netflix's narrative as it continues to expand its global reach and content offerings.
