Nicole Avant

Nicole A. Avant (born March 6, 1968) is an American diplomat, producer, and political activist who served as the United States ambassador to the Bahamas from 2009 to 2011. She is a member of the Democratic Party.

Early career Nicole Avant is the daughter of Clarence and Jacqueline Avant. Her father, known as "The Black Godfather", was chairman of Motown Records. Nicole was born on her mother's 28th birthday.

Nicole Avant graduated in 1986 from Beverly Hills High School and in 1990 from California State University, Northridge with a B.A. in communications. She started her career working for the promotion division of A&M Records in Los Angeles. In 1988, she was named vice president of Interior Music Publishing, her father's music company. At 41, she was the first Black woman and the youngest US Ambassador to the Bahamas ever.

During her tenure in the Bahamas, Avant worked with local advocacy groups for people with disabilities. She hosted Eunice and Francesca Shriver to raise awareness for Special Olympics-Bahamas. She also brought Magic Johnson to the Bahamas Chamber of Commerce to advise on trade with the United States. The report also noted that the Ambassador and the new deputy chief of mission, whom she had hired, were "emerging strongly from a period of dysfunctional leadership and management."

In response, Avant said that she had inherited a dysfunctional embassy, and the new executive team she appointed had improved things.

Avant resigned in November 2011 and informally worked on Barack Obama's 2012 re-election efforts, including fundraising. Her husband, Ted Sarandos, is the co-chief executive officer of Netflix, who distributed the film.

In January 2021, Avant was an early investor in Thirteen Lune, an e-commerce site focused on makeup, skincare, haircare and wellness products owned by people of color and ally brands.

On April 28, 2023, The Jacqueline Avant Children and Family Center was opened in memory of her philanthropist mother who was fatally shot during a home invasion in 2021. The center will serve the needs of at-risk children. On October 17, 2023, Avant released her memoir, “Think You’ll Be Happy: Moving Through Grief With Grit, Grace, and Gratitude.”

Accolades

2012 : 20th Annual Trumpet Awards's International Award

Personal life Avant is married to Ted Sarandos, the co-CEO of Netflix. In 2010, the couple purchased a Hollywood residence for $5.4 million from Max Azria, and sold it in 2017 for $8.825 million. In 2010, the couple also purchased a beachfront house in Malibu from David Spade for $10.2 million.