TKO Hires Netflix Exec for Government Relations | WWE & AEW News
TKO Group Holdings appoints Dean Garfield, former Netflix VP, as Senior Vice President of Government Affairs, signaling a strategic move to bolster its global influence. Garfield will spearhead TKO’s government relations strategy, leveraging his extensive experience in public policy and media. He previously led the global government affairs function at Netflix, bringing two decades of experience to his new primary_keyword role. This appointment aims to strengthen TKO’s relationships with governments worldwide, aiming to bring marquee events to fans. His responsibilities will encompass leading public policy initiatives and political engagement. news Directory 3 highlights the appointment as a pivotal moment for the company. Garfield’s expertise is expected to drive further expansion.Discover what’s next for TKO as it navigates this new chapter.
TKO Group Taps Dean Garfield to lead Government Affairs Strategy
Updated June 18,2025
TKO Group Holdings,Inc. has appointed Dean Garfield as Senior Vice President of Government Affairs, effective June 16. This move underscores TKO’s commitment to strengthening its global influence through strategic government relations and public policy initiatives.
In this newly created role, Garfield will oversee TKO’s government affairs activities worldwide.He will report to Seth Krauss, Chief Administrative Officer & Senior Counsel to teh board of Directors and Senior Management. Garfield’s responsibilities include leading public policy initiatives, political engagement, and supporting TKO’s subsidies and incentives efforts.
Krauss emphasized the importance of Garfield’s experience. “Dean’s extensive public policy experience will be integral to supercharging TKO’s government relations strategy, including strengthening our engagement with governments to bring our marquee events to fans in all regions of the world,” Krauss said. He noted existing partnerships with Western australia, Abu Dhabi, Saudi Arabia, Minnesota, New Jersey, and California, highlighting the demand for TKO’s live events. He anticipates further growth under Garfield’s leadership in government affairs.
Garfield brings over 20 years of public policy experience, including 15 years in media and entertainment. Before joining TKO, he served as Netflix’s Vice President of Public Policy, where he built and led the company’s global government affairs function and pursued incentive packages. His prior roles include President and CEO of the Data Technology Industry Council, EVP and Chief Strategic Officer for the Motion Picture Association (MPA), and VP of legal affairs at the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).
Garfield expressed his enthusiasm for his new position. “I am excited to be joining TKO and for the chance to share with governments what we certainly know to be true: People all around the world view sports and live entertainment as central to their lives, to building community, and to delivering economic impact,” Garfield said.
Garfield’s distinguished career also includes appointments by Presidents Obama and trump to the White House’s Advisory Commitee for Trade Policy and Negotiations. He also served on the Department of Transportation Advisory Committee on Automation.
What’s next
With Garfield at the helm, TKO Group aims to expand its global footprint and strengthen relationships with governments worldwide, ensuring its sports and entertainment events reach a broader audience and contribute to local economies.