Fandom and pop culture company Funko has tapped former Netflix, Disney and Nike executive Josh Simon as chief executive overseeing brands including Funko, Loungefly and Mondo with a wide portfolio of licenses that span vinyl figures, collectibles, fashion accessories, apparel, action toys and art.
Simon joins Funko following more than five years at Netflix as Vice President, Consumer Products, overseeing global merchandise, live experiences and the Roald Dahl Story Company. He built and scaled the division, creating a range of products for Netflix’s biggest titles like Stranger Things, Bridgerton, Squid Game and more. He launched the giant streamer’s first e-commerce platform for consumer products and managed relationships with retailers.
Simon also oversaw the growth of Netflix’s Experiences business, launching more than 40 unique experiences across 300 cities around the world.
Prior to Netflix, he held senior management roles of increasing responsibility at Nike, most recently as VP and Head of Global Strategy for product, design, merchandising and categories. Previously, he held roles overseeing feature film production and development at the Disney Motion Picture Group and DreamWorks-based Color Force Productions and with Disney’s corporate strategy and development group.
At Funko, Simon succeeds interim CEO Mike Lunsford and joins the board.
“Josh is an exceptional leader and his extensive experience in entertainment and consumer products is exactly what Funko needs in its next CEO,” said Funko chairman Charles Denson, “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.”
Simon called 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.”
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