Google hires Netflix exec for TV and movie deals
updated 05:20 pm EDT, Thu September 16, 2010
Netflix exec hired away by Google for movie deals
Google may be deepening its plans to enter the on-demand movie and TV show industry through its Google TV service and beyond. It has just hired away an executive from Netflix, Robert Kyncl, AllThingsDigital reported on Thursday. Kyncl left Netflix last week and his new title will be VP of Content Partnerships at Google, sources said.
While Netflix confirmed Kyncl is no longer at the company, Google isn't openly admitting his appointment.
Over his seven-year stay at Netflix, Kyncl helped oversee many content deals, including the one involving streaming Epix movies most recently.
The company already has a preliminary movie rental service but has so far been limited to independent and foreign titles that don't have the same pull as major content available through Amazon VOD, iTunes, Netflix or other established services. Google is rumored to be planning a worldwide, major store but would need staff skilled in negotiating deals Google and YouTube haven't had to use in the past.
