Netflix executive Josh Simon has been named CEO of Funko.
Simon joins Funko, which manufactures pop culture bobbleheads and other collectibles, after five years at Netflix, where he served as vice president, consumer products, where he oversaw the company’s global merchandise business, live experiences and the Roald Dahl Story Company. Simon succeeds interim CEO Mike Lunsford, effective Sept. 1, and has also been appointed to the Funko board of directors.
At Netflix, Simon created products for Netflix’s biggest titles, including Stranger Things, Bridgerton and Squid Game, launched its first e-commerce platform for consumer products and oversaw the growth of Netflix’s Experiences business, which included launching 40 unique experiences across 300 cities around the world.
“Josh is an exceptional leader and his extensive experience in entertainment and consumer products is exactly what Funko needs in its next CEO,” said Charles Denson, Chairman of the Board of Funko. “Moreover, he brings expertise in operations, licensing and strategy, gained while serving in senior leadership roles at such esteemed companies as Netflix, Nike, and The Walt Disney Company. We are delighted to have him as our CEO as we work to maximize the significant growth opportunities ahead.”
Before working at Netflix, Simon held senior management roles at Nike, most recently as the vice president and head of global strategy for product, design, merchandising and categories. He also previously oversaw feature film production and development at The Walt Disney Company’s Motion Picture Group and the DreamWorks-based Color Force Productions and in Disney’s corporate strategy and development group. Simon holds a B.A. in economics from Harvard University.
“I am honored to join the team at Funko, an iconic company with a huge fan base that I admire and respect. Pop culture – and people’s desire to connect with the lifestyle brands they love – is stronger today than ever. There are so many ways we can build on Funko’s fandom and expand our business for the benefit of both customers and shareholders,” Simon said.
The Streaming Wars is intentionally ad-free
We don’t run display ads. Not because we can’t, but because we don’t believe in them.
They interrupt the reading experience. They cheapen the work. And they burn advertisers’ money on impressions nobody actually wants.
So we chose a different model.
We say the things people in this industry are already thinking but don’t say out loud. We connect the dots beyond the headline and focus on explaining why things matter to the people working in this business.
If you believe industry coverage can exist without clutter and interruption, you can support it here → SUPPORT TSW.
Support is optional. But it directly funds research and continued coverage — and helps prove this model can work.
Support TSW →
