Netflix hires LA-based Tanz for European acquisitions

Netflix has poached Larry Tanz from Michael Eisner’s prodco Vuguru to head up its acquisitions across UK, Germany and the Nordics.

US trade paper Variety broke the story yesterday that Tanz, formerly CEO of digital prodco Vuguru, will become Netflix’s vice president, content acquisition, Europe.

Netflix confirmed the move and said that in his new role Tanz will report to Kelly Merryman, the ultimate head of the US company’s European acquisitions. Germany and UK are the biggest TV markets in Europe, handing Tan key growth markets for Netflix.

The move comes as Netflix ramps up its presence in Europe, with a swathe of launches this year in France and Germany among others.

Netflix’s acquisitions activity is largely conducted out of the US and Tanz will be based in LA. He will join the company later this year.

Tanz has worked with Netflix, which counts Vuguru-produced adult-skewed toon Bojack Horseman as one of its originals.