Observed Signal · Sep 18, 2026 · Hiring · Source: DWDL · Impact: 1/5 · Sentiment: Neutral
Netflix appoints Jan Bennemann as film head for DACH
Netflix has officially named Jan Bennemann as the new Head of Film for the DACH region (Germany, Austria, Switzerland), confirming his appointment after a temporary stint. Bennemann, who joined Netflix in 2021, will oversee the development and creative direction of the entire film portfolio in the region. He succeeds Sasha Bühler, who left the company after seven years. Previously serving as Director Series DACH, Bennemann was responsible for series like 'Achtsam Morden', 'Crooks', and 'Unfamiliar'. With this appointment, Netflix continues its strategy of promoting internal talent, as overall responsibility for the German strategy remains with Katja Hofem.
Leadership change at a major streaming platform; relevant to the adtech industry due to the importance of CTV advertising inventory, but not a major industry-shifting event.
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Key Takeaways & Evidence Grounding
- Netflix appointed Jan Bennemann as Head of Film for the DACH region.
- Bennemann previously served as Director Series DACH at Netflix.
- He succeeds Sasha Bühler, who left after seven years.
- Bennemann has been with Netflix since 2021.
- The appointment was confirmed by Netflix on Friday.
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1 Entity mapped“Netflix has officially appointed Jan Bennemann as the new Head of Film for the DACH region.”
Ontology Mapping & Concepts
Related Market Signals & Shifts
Recent verified developments and strategic activity across this market segment.
Netflix film chief Sasha Bühler departs after seven years
Sasha Bühler, who joined Netflix in 2019 from Constantin Film and served as Content Director Film for the DACH region, has left Netflix after seven years. Netflix confirmed the departure to DWDL.de; the US trade outlet Deadline had reported it earlier. During her tenure Bühler oversaw German and regional film strategy (initially from London, later from Berlin) and was involved in internationally noted productions including the Oscar-winning Im Westen nichts Neues. Jan Bennemann has taken the role of Film Lead on an interim basis while overall responsibility for Netflix’s German strategy remains with Katja Hofem. Netflix did not provide reasons for the departure and Bühler’s next move is unknown.
Ex-Netflix film chief Sasha Bühler moves to Prime Video
Sasha Bühler, former head of film at Netflix for the German-speaking market, will become Head of German Originals at Prime Video and Amazon MGM Studios starting December 1. She succeeds Philip Pratt, who departed Amazon months ago to lead Disney's originals in German-speaking regions from early 2027. Bühler, who spent seven years at Netflix, will report to Tara Erer, Director of Northern European Originals, UK Unscripted & Film. Her appointment signals Prime Video's growth ambitions in the region. Bühler previously worked 11 years at Constantin Film and at SquareOne Entertainment. Her portfolio includes successful titles like 'Maxton Hall' and 'LOL: Last One Laughing', with upcoming projects such as 'Superior', 'Holey Moley – Minigolf Extreme', 'Der erste letzte Tag', and 'The Prototype'.
Philip Pratt Named Disney+ Local Originals Head for DACH
Philip Pratt, former head of German originals at Amazon MGM Studios, will join The Walt Disney Company in early 2027 as Vice President of Original Production for Germany, Austria, and Switzerland (DACH). He will oversee all local Disney+ productions in the region, reporting to Angela Jain, Head of Content EMEA. The position had been vacant since Benjamina Mirnik-Voges's departure in April 2025. Disney's Country Manager for DACH, Eun-Ky Park, stated the company plans to triple its investment in local productions, and Disney aims to triple its international original series volume on Disney+ within three years. Pratt brings over a decade of experience, having led Prime Video German originals including 'Maxton Hall'. Disney highlights its local production success with over 30 nominations and 13 awards for German originals since 2021, underscoring its strategic focus on expanding local content to drive subscriber growth.
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