KUMAR KANAGASABAPATHY JOINS NETFLIX AS DIRECTOR OF BRAND PARTNERSHIPS, APAC

Kumar Kanagasabapathy has joined Netflix as Director of Brand Partnerships for APAC, based in Singapore. He departs IPG Mediabrands, where he was APAC Chief Strategy Officer, after a seven-year tenure. With prior roles at Mediacom, Horizon Media and Maxus, Kanagasabapathy brings extensive global experience to Netflix’s regional brand partnerships strategy.

Netflix has appointed Kumar Kanagasabapathy as Director of Brand Partnerships for the Asia-Pacific region, marking a significant addition to its leadership team as the streaming giant continues to expand its footprint across diverse markets. Based in Singapore, Kanagasabapathy will oversee brand partnerships across APAC, a role that underscores Netflix’s ambition to deepen collaborations with regional and global brands.  

Kanagasabapathy announced his departure from IPG Mediabrands in a LinkedIn post, confirming the end of his seven-year tenure as APAC Chief Strategy Officer. He reflected on his career journey, noting that his “7-year run with IPG Mediabrands plus 6 months with Omnicom Media comes to a close,” while expressing gratitude to colleagues across Los Angeles, Singapore, Mumbai and Mexico City.  

His move to Netflix follows a career spanning multiple global agencies, including Mediacom, Horizon Media and Maxus, where he built expertise in media strategy, brand partnerships and cross-market growth. At IPG Mediabrands, he played a pivotal role in shaping strategic initiatives across the Asia-Pacific region, strengthening the network’s positioning in a competitive marketplace.  

Industry observers view his appointment as a strategic step for Netflix, which continues to invest in brand partnerships to complement its content and distribution strategies. Kanagasabapathy’s blend of regional insight and international experience is expected to help Netflix forge deeper alliances with advertisers and partners, particularly as streaming platforms increasingly seek innovative ways to monetise audiences and enhance brand engagement.  

His arrival comes at a time when Netflix is intensifying its focus on APAC, one of the fastest-growing regions for streaming consumption. Kanagasabapathy’s leadership is anticipated to drive new opportunities for collaboration, reinforcing Netflix’s role as both a content powerhouse and a partner of choice for brands navigating the evolving digital landscape.