Netflix Hires STX’s David Kosse To Lead International Film Division

In a significant industry move, we can reveal that Netflix has hired away STX’s President of International David Kosse to head up its own overseas film division.

Kosse is joining Netflix as VP of International Film and will be leading a team out of the streaming giant’s London offices. He begins next month and will report to Netflix’s film chief

Scott Stuber with whom he previously worked at Universal.

In recent months speculation has been rife in industry circles that Kosse could be joining the service. His hire represents yet another statement of intent by Netflix and is a blow to STX’s

overseas ambitions.

The service has around 300 staff in the European HQ in Amsterdam, another 70+ in London and a new office and production studio is opening in Madrid. The Paris office is launching this year

and German and Italian bases could be next. There are also around 300 staff in Singapore and offices in Japan and Mumbai, among other international outposts.

Stuber, head of Netflix’s film group, said of the changes, “David has spent his career launching and building international film divisions. With the majority of our audience outside the

U.S., it’s the right time for us to be building our international film presence. Having worked with David for years at Universal, I know there’s no one better suited for this role. David

will be joined by Funa Maduka, whose eye for foreign cinema has contributed greatly to our celebrated international slate, and Teresa Moneo, who has an incredible acquisition and production

track record and will be a great addition to Netflix. I’m incredibly excited to see what this team will do.”

Kosse added, “By making international content available globally on such a large scale, Netflix is shattering cultural boundaries in a way no other company has. And, what a team to do it

with – I’m thrilled to work with Scott again and to work with the incredible team he has assembled. Together, we will continue the momentum, uncover more amazing international and emerging

storytellers, and inspire new conversations around the world.”

Prior to STX, Kosse led the UK’s Film4, whose slate during his tenure included The Favourite, Three Billboards Outside Ebbing Missouri, Ex Machina and Fighting With My Family. At the film

arm of UK broadcaster Channel4, Kosse pushed through an increase in budget and introduced a new commercial strategy which saw Film4 grow its risk and revenue share in projects.

Prior to Film4, Kosse spent a decade at Universal, latterly as president of international, driving the significant overseas success of movies such as Les Miserables, The Wolf Of Wall Street,

Mamma Mia! and Mama.