Netflix picks Toronto for Canadian HQ

Toronto mayor John Tory announced the move yesterday (April 27), with Netflix expected to start its search for a local exec in June.

Netflix will soon plant its flag in Toronto.

The streamer officially confirmed it will set up its Canadian office in Toronto, according to an announcement by city mayor John Tory.

“As we grow our business and presence all across Canada, we’re excited that Toronto will be our first local office,” said Ted Sarandos, Netflix co-CEO and chief content officer, in a statement released by the City of Toronto. “We’re looking forward to opening our doors and building on the great work we’ve started with our creative partners to bring more Canadian artists and stories to the world.”

The streamer announced plans in February to open a Canadian home base and hire a local content executive. A spokesperson for Netflix confirmed a posting for the position will be released in June.

In a statement mayor Tory said the city “put together a bid book in days” to make its case for the Canadian HQ.

“We have been working hard to make sure Netflix’s new Canadian office would be in Toronto,” said Tory. “This has been a tough year for Toronto and all cities, all businesses, and all residents but today’s news is one more example of our determination to help sectors get through the pandemic, to protect and grow jobs in our city, and to make sure we come back stronger than ever.”

Netflix currently has two multi-year lease agreements for production space in Toronto with Cinespace and Pinewood Toronto Studios. Its local productions include Jupiter’s Legacy, The Umbrella Academy and The Queen’s Gambit.