Netflix Taps an Ex-Facebook Exec to Shape its Foray Into Gaming

Mike Verdu is confirmed to be Netflix’s latest major executive hire as it looks to enter the growing cloud-based video game market. He joins the media streaming giant as its VP of Game Development and will sit under COO Greg Peters in their org chart.

News of the move was first broken by Bloomberg and has since been confirmed by the company. Verdu’s hire, and Netflix’s overall entry into video games, fits perfectly into its strategy to build out touchpoints with its users. In the last few months, Netflix has also bolstered its staff with an experienced podcast leader and a veteran magazine editor to further that goal.

In a recent earnings call Peters confirmed the core role of Netflix's video games in its business moving forward, stating “... there’s no doubt that games are going to be an important form of entertainment and an important form of modality to deepen that fan experience.

Before joining Netflix, Verdu was the VP of Content for Facebook Reality Labs, which placed him at the helm of Oculus Studios. He also served as the SVP of Mobile for Electronic Arts and oversaw the studios behind hit games like “Plants vs. Zombies 2” and “Star Wars: Galaxy of Heroes”. among others. Additionally, Verdu was the President of Studios for Kabam and the President of Studios and COO for Zynga.

His new role will help Netflix usher in new video game content as soon as later this year, according to Bloomberg. With Verdu’s expertise the streaming service will be able to create more interactive video game content to support and expand upon its original shows and movies.

--

The Org is a professional community where transparent companies can show off their team to the world. Join your company here to add yourself to the org chart!