Which CEO co-founded Netflix in 1997 and served as CEO until 2023?

Reed Hastings co-founded Netflix in 1997 and served as its CEO until 2023. He launched the company with Marc Randolph on August 29, 1997, in Scotts Valley, California.

The idea developed as Hastings and Randolph explored ways to sell products online. After rejecting VHS as too costly and fragile to ship, they tested mailing a compact disc. The successful experiment helped inspire a DVD-by-mail business, which became Netflix’s original model.

Netflix began as a rental and sales website with 30 employees and about 925 DVD titles. Its subscription service later introduced a no-late-fee model and personalized recommendations, helping transform home entertainment before the company moved decisively into streaming and original programming.

Hastings remained chief executive through Netflix’s major expansion, including its international growth and transition into a streaming company. In 2020, Ted Sarandos became co-CEO; Hastings stepped down as co-CEO in January 2023 and became executive chairman. Marc Randolph was the founding CEO, so the question’s wording specifically points to Hastings because it combines co-founder status with the 2023 endpoint.