Naomi Bulochnikov-Paul is heading back to Netflix. The veteran entertainment publicist has been named vice president of Series Communications, just one day after announcing her departure from Disney Entertainment Television.
The move marks a quick return to the streaming giant. It also begins a new chapter for Bulochnikov-Paul after eight years at Disney.
Bulochnikov-Paul Takes Charge at Netflix
Starting October 18, Bulochnikov-Paul will oversee communications for Netflix’s television slate. Her portfolio will cover scripted series, reality shows and documentaries.
She will report directly to Netflix Chief Communications Officer Dani Dudeck. The role puts her at the centre of publicity strategy for one of the world’s biggest streaming platforms.
Dudeck praised Bulochnikov-Paul’s experience and storytelling skills. She noted that her two decades working across media and culture will bring valuable expertise to Netflix.
Her Role Goes Beyond Television
However, her new responsibilities extend far beyond traditional TV publicity.
Bulochnikov-Paul will also oversee communications for Netflix House, live programming, sports, games, creators and podcasts. As a result, her role reflects the increasingly broad entertainment ecosystem built by streaming companies.
Today, streaming platforms operate across multiple formats. Therefore, communications teams must promote everything from television and films to live events, sports and digital experiences.
A Major Chapter at Disney
Before returning to Netflix, Bulochnikov-Paul spent eight years at Disney Entertainment Television.
She began at Freeform in a publicity role. Over time, she climbed the corporate ladder and eventually became executive vice president of communications for Disney Entertainment Television.
Her responsibilities later expanded across ABC Entertainment, FX, Hulu and National Geographic Content.
She also worked closely with Disney Entertainment co-chairman Dana Walden. Together, they focused on executive communications strategy and messaging.
Disney Praises Her Contributions
Following her departure, Disney Entertainment Television chairman Debra O’Connell highlighted Bulochnikov-Paul’s contribution to the company.
O’Connell described her as a thoughtful leader whose communications expertise played an important role within the organisation.
The recognition reflects the senior position Bulochnikov-Paul had established at Disney. Her next move, meanwhile, takes that experience back to a company she already knows.
A Familiar Return to Netflix
Interestingly, this isn’t Bulochnikov-Paul’s first time at Netflix.
Earlier in her career, she served as director of original series publicity at the streamer. Therefore, her latest appointment represents something of a homecoming.
This time, however, the scale is considerably larger. She returns as a senior communications executive with responsibility for a much broader entertainment portfolio.
Before her previous Netflix stint, Bulochnikov-Paul also held roles at MTV Networks, Sony Pictures Television and Current TV.
Netflix Expands Its Communications Team
Meanwhile, Netflix continues to strengthen its communications leadership.
The streamer recently appointed Katie Martin Kelly as vice president of communications for its film division. The move points to a broader strategy of developing specialised communications teams across film and television.
As Netflix’s entertainment business expands, that specialisation has become increasingly important.
The company now operates across scripted television, films, sports, games, podcasts and live programming. Consequently, communications leaders must manage multiple audiences and platforms at the same time.
A Changing Entertainment PR Landscape
The role of an entertainment publicist has also changed dramatically.
In the past, traditional press coverage was often the main focus. Now, publicists must also navigate social media, online fan communities and global audiences.
Moreover, streaming has created a worldwide entertainment marketplace. A series can generate conversations across several countries within hours of its release.
That makes strategic communications more important than ever. Experienced executives like Bulochnikov-Paul are now expected to manage messaging across an increasingly complicated media environment.
Netflix’s Expanding TV Slate
Bulochnikov-Paul also arrives at an important moment for Netflix’s television business.
The platform continues to expand its slate with new projects and returning favourites. Upcoming titles such as East of Eden and established hits such as Emily in Paris are part of a constantly evolving programming lineup.
Therefore, managing publicity across such a diverse slate requires both experience and flexibility.
For Bulochnikov-Paul, the new position combines both. She knows Netflix’s culture, while her years at Disney have given her additional experience managing communications at a major global entertainment company.
A New Chapter Begins October 18
Bulochnikov-Paul will officially begin her new role on October 18.
Her return comes at a time when Netflix continues to broaden its definition of entertainment. From television and sports to games, podcasts and live experiences, the company’s communications needs are growing alongside its business.
For the veteran publicist, the move is also a return to familiar territory with significantly greater responsibilities.
Now, she will have the opportunity to shape communications strategy across one of the industry’s broadest entertainment portfolios.
About the author
Neha Nikharge is Assistant Editor at Awesome TV and a writer for AWSM Times. Neha covers Bollywood, OTT releases, celebrity interviews and pop culture for South Asian audiences in the US and around the world, and has written more than 4,500 stories for Awesome TV. Story tips and corrections: hello@awesometv.com.
Where to Watch / Shop
Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, Awesome TV earns from qualifying purchases. Links below are affiliate links.
Watch Bollywood on Amazon
