Netflix, the mail-order DVD and movie-streaming service, is replacing its top marketing executive after a customer revolt over changes to prices and terms.
Leslie Kilgore, chief marketing officer for the past 12 years, will leave that post and join the board, Los Gatos, Calif.-based Netflix said yesterday in a statement. She will be replaced by Jessie Becker on an interim basis while the company searches for a permanent replacement.
Jonathan Friedland, who joined Netflix as vice president of global corporate communications in February, was named chief communications officer.
Meanwhile, Netflix shares rose 5 percent to its highest close since October after researcher NPD Group said the company continues to dominate the film-streaming business. Netflix shares closed at $103.46, the highest close for the stock since it finished at $118.84 on Oct. 24.
NPD, based in Port Washington, said in a statement Netflix held a 55 percent share of the paid digital movie rental business, down from a peak of 59 percent at midyear. Netflix angered customers over a July price increase and changes to its mail-order and streaming services, including the aborted bid to rebrand the mail-order unit Qwikster.