Netflix just hired an adtech operator who knows how to solve 'gnarly problems'

Former colleagues of Darshan Kantak, Netflix's new VP of its ads platform, said he's used to solving complex problems. Courtesy of Darshan Kantak

Netflix knows its ad business needs to move faster, and it's bringing on a well-regarded adtech operator to pour on the accelerant.

The company said this week it's hired Darshan Kantak, a Google, Snap, Meta, Microsoft, and Yahoo alum — he's just missing Amazon on his résumé — as VP of its ads platform.

Former colleagues of Kantak told me he's a detail-oriented leader accustomed to solving complex problems and willing to get his hands dirty.

The first major item on his to-do list will be getting Netflix's adtech stack into gear. Last month, Netflix cut its annual advertising revenue forecast by $300 million to $2.7 billion, citing delays in rolling out ad products and partner integrations.…