Netflix Taps Google Cloud’s Darshan Kantak as VP of Ads Platform

The senior Google Cloud leader joins as the streamer builds out its advertising technology.

Netflix has appointed Darshan Kantak as Vice President of Ads Platform. The hire adds to its leadership team as the company develops its advertising technology and grows its ad-supported business.

Kantak joins from Google Cloud, where he held a senior leadership position. His background covers technology, product development, cloud infrastructure and digital advertising, which gives him both technical and commercial experience for the role.

From Google Cloud to Netflix

At Google Cloud, Kantak worked in leadership roles across technology and enterprise solutions, which exposed him to cloud platforms, product strategy and the changing digital ecosystem. The source does not give his exact title there or his dates.

Why the ads platform matters

Advertising has become an important part of Netflix’s growth strategy. Since launching its ad-supported subscription plan, the company has been working to widen its advertiser partnerships, improve targeting and measurement, and strengthen the technology behind its campaigns. Its in-house ads platform sits at the centre of that effort, giving Netflix more control over how ads are delivered, measured and optimised.

Kantak’s appointment is expected to add leadership depth as streaming services compete for ad budgets and try to offer brands more sophisticated ways to engage audiences.