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Marc Randolph
Overview
Marc Randolph (born 1958) is an American entrepreneur best known as the co-founder and first CEO of Netflix, the company he launched with Reed Hastings in 1997 that transformed the global entertainment industry. Before Netflix, Randolph co-founded or held senior positions at several technology and direct-mail companies. He graduated from Hamilton College with the Class of 1980.
Relevance to Research
Randolph’s Hamilton education in the late 1970s — during the early years of coeducation following the Kirkland merger — preceded a career that produced one of the most disruptive companies in entertainment history. As the person who conceived the idea of a mail-order DVD rental service that became Netflix, he is among Hamilton’s most economically influential alumni. His memoir That Will Never Work (2019) recounts the founding of Netflix.
Notes
Role: Hamilton College alumnus, Class of 1980 Key events: - Born 29 April 1958 in New York City - Graduated from Hamilton College, B.A. in Geology 1980 - Held marketing roles at technology and direct-mail companies including MacWarehouse and MicroWarehouse - Co-founded Netflix with Reed Hastings in 1997; served as first CEO (1997–1999) - Netflix launched as a DVD rental and sales website; Randolph shepherded its transition to subscription model - Stepped down as Netflix CEO in 1999; remained on the board until 2004 - Angel investor and startup mentor; co-founded or participated in numerous technology startups - Author of That Will Never Work: The Birth of Netflix and the Amazing Life of an Idea (2019)
Related Sources
- Hamilton College — Wikipedia