Reed Hastings

Business Leader0 list appearances

Academic Pedigree & Peace Corps: Graduated from Buckingham Browne & Nichols School in Cambridge, MA. Joined the U.S. Marine Corps Platoon Leaders Class before serving in the Peace Corps (1983–1985), teaching high school mathematics in Swaziland (Eswatini). Earned a Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics from Bowdoin College (1983) and a Master of Science in Computer Science (AI) from Stanford University (1988). Pure Software to Netflix (1991–Present): Founded Pure Software in 1991, taking it public in 1995 and selling it to Rational Software for $750M in 1997. Co-founded Netflix in Scotts Valley, California in August 1997 with Marc Randolph (legendarily sparked by a $40 late fee on *Apollo 13* at Blockbuster, though Randolph notes it was a marketing simplification). Pioneered subscription DVD-by-mail, killed Blockbuster, pivoted to streaming in 2007, and launched original prestige programming (*House of Cards*, *Stranger Things*, *Squid Game*). Authored influential management book *No Rules Rules* (2020) codifying Netflix's "freedom and responsibility" culture. Stepped down as Co-CEO in January 2023 to serve as Executive Chairman. Philanthropy & Family: Married Patricia Ann Quillin; two children. Donated $120M in 2020 to Historically Black Colleges and Universities (Spelman, Morehouse, UNCF); chaired the California State Board of Education (2000–2004).