Warren Ross, the former CMPA general counsel and VP of national industrial relations, has joined Netflix in the role of counsel, labour relations.

The announcement comes six weeks after Ross’ departure from the producers association, where he spent 10 years, was revealed.

In the new role Ross will work with Netflix productions around the world to facilitate positive labour relations with union and guild partners. The role is based in Canada but extends globally. 

Ross was a significant figure during his decade-long tenure with the CMPA, which has had an at-times adversarial relationship with Netflix and other streaming services, especially on the topic of IP ownership and retention.

That topic has come to the fore in recent months as industry stakeholders have weighed in on how to implement legislative changes, with the CMPA arguing strongly in favour of the introduction of a code of practice that would govern commercial relationships and negotiations between Canadian producers and content commissioners.

The hire comes as Netflix looks poised to ramp up its involvement in the Canadian marketplace. In February, the streaming giant revealed that it would establish its first Canadian office, later confirming it will be located in Toronto. In addition, Netflix said it would hire its first dedicated Canadian content executive, with the hiring process set to begin this month.