Exclusive: Netflix Nabs Disney Animation Vancouver Chief Amir Nasrabadi For Key Animation COO Role

Netflix’s feature animation group continues to solidify a leadership structure in its new Hannah Minghella-era. The studio has made a key hire, naming veteran executive and studio chief Amir Nasrabadi as Chief Operating Officer, Cartoon Brew can exclusively report.

Nasrabadi comes to Netflix from Disney, where he had been the head of Walt Disney Animation Studios Vancouver since its launch in August 2021. Disney’s Canadian satellite, initially set up to produce streaming content such as the Moana animated series, participated in the production of Moana 2, which last fall became the third-highest-grossing WDAS production of all time.

“Amir is an excellent leader who has demonstrated his ability to bring a unique perspective and curiosity, exhibit creativity, and convey candor,” Hannah Minghella, head of Netflix feature animation and live-action family film, wrote in an internal memo obtained by Cartoon Brew. “In this role, Amir’s focus on operational excellence will enable our teams to concentrate on storytelling and artistic innovation, driving the continued growth and success of Netflix [feature animation].”

Netflix’s feature animation group has a current headcount of around 900 people across three studios — Burbank, California; Vancouver, Canada; and Sydney, Australia. Nasrabadi, who is currently based in Vancouver, will begin his new role at Netflix on Monday, June 23rd.

He will report to Minghella, splitting his time between Vancouver and Los Angeles. We understand that he will relocate to L.A. sometime next year.

Minghella further praised Nasrabadi’s extensive experience “leading and operating collaboratively with cross-functional partners, navigating organizations with complex reporting structures, and a proven track record of scaling businesses for growth and long-term success.”

Prior to running Disney’s Canadian cartoon shop, Nasrabadi served as general manager and vice president of Pixar’s Vancouver satellite studio, which was in operation between 2009 and 2014. In between these two stints at Disney, Nasrabadi held senior leadership roles at Illumination Entertainment, Paramount Animation, and Wildbrain Studios. Prior to his role at Pixar Vancouver, Nasrabadi worked at Disney where, among other positions, he was vp of finance & operations for Disneytoon Studios.