Larry Tanz

Larry Tanz
Occupation	Entertainment executive
Years active	1990s–present
Known for	Vice President of Global Television at Netflix; CEO and president of LivePlanet and Vuguru

Larry Tanz is a prominent American executive in the entertainment industry, having held senior positions at AOL Time Warner, served as president and CEO at both LivePlanet and Vuguru, and currently acting as Vice President of Global Television at Netflix.

Early life and education

Tanz completed his secondary education at the Ramaz School in Manhattan in 1988. He obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a Master of Science in Behavioral Psychology from Harvard University. Subsequently, he earned an MBA from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania in 1999. During his time at Harvard, Tanz was involved with the Harvard Lampoon and engaged in research focusing on addiction and decision-making processes.

Early career

Tanz’s professional journey began as a Senior Associate at Mercer Management Consulting (currently known as Oliver Wyman). He later assumed the position of Director of Strategy and Operations at AOL Time Warner, where he played a foundational role in establishing Netscape Netbusiness, remaining with the company until 2000.

LivePlanet

Starting with its inception in 2000, Tanz led LivePlanet as CEO and president for four years. The company was founded by notable figures including Matt Damon, Ben Affleck, Sean Bailey, and Chris Moore. Tanz directed strategic initiatives and operational management while executive producing content such as Project Greenlight. Under his leadership, LivePlanet partnered with major studios like Universal, Miramax, ABC, NBC, MTV, E!, and Spike TV. His production credits include films like Feast and documentaries such as First Descent and Running the Sahara. Additionally, he executive produced television programs including the reality series American Start-Up.

Tanz characterized his digital endeavors as offering diverse audience engagement levels—a "treasure hunt for waders, swimmers, and divers"—emphasizing interactive narrative experiences. He remained with LivePlanet until its film division ceased operations in 2008.

Agility Studios

In 2008, Tanz co-launched Agility Studios alongside Scott Ehrlich and Keith Quinn, initiating the multiplatform production company with $7 million in venture funding. Shannon Pruitt also became part of the team. The company concentrated on digital content creation, producing projects such as Jon M Chu's The Legion of Extraordinary Dancers.

Vuguru

Tanz took on the presidency of Vuguru in December 2009 after it became an independent entity following investments from Rogers Media and Michael Eisner's The Tornante Company. His responsibilities encompassed managing scripted television and web series production while cultivating sponsorships and brand collaborations to support financing. In February 2012, Tanz was elevated to CEO and president, broadening Vuguru’s emphasis on long-form scripted web series and television by recruiting Lauren Corrao, former Comedy Central programming president, as chief creative officer. Tanz has remarked on the transformation within television viewership and profitability driven by online video platforms, noting the growing importance of digital-first content after its Emmy nominations in 2013.

Netflix

Joining Netflix in November 2014 as Vice President of Content Acquisition for Europe, Tanz later progressed to Vice President of Global Television. In this capacity, he has commissioned multiple UK-based television productions, significantly enhancing Netflix's international content offerings.

Philanthropy

In 2006, Tanz partnered with Matt Damon, Keith Quinn, and Marc Joubert to establish a nonprofit organization that later became known as water.org. He continues to serve as a member of its board of directors.

Personal life

Tanz is married to Sara Messeloff, who graduated from Ramaz School in 1990.