Ex-Apple Executive Leads Netflix Podcasts

Steve Wilson, a former executive at Apple, has joined Netflix to oversee the acquisition of podcast content. The company confirmed the hire, which was first reported by Bloomberg. Wilson will begin his role as a consultant.

The appointment comes as Netflix reduces its workforce by approximately 6 percent. This cut affects about 1,000 employees, marking the largest staff reduction at the company since 2022. Netflix stated that the layoffs are part of an effort to identify areas where it is overinvested. The restructuring includes the departure of several senior leaders, such as chief content officer Bela Bajaria, film chief Dan Lin, and VP of film Doug Belgrad.

Wilson spent 15 years at Apple, where he worked in editorial, partner relations, and show marketing for Apple Podcasts. Before joining Netflix, he served as chief strategy officer at QCODE and recently left Daylight Media, a podcast and creator content company.

The streamer began its push into podcasts in November 2025 with a partnership with Spotify. This deal brings video podcasts from Spotify Studios and The Ringer to Netflix. Titles included in the initial agreement are The Bill Simmons Podcast, The Zach Lowe Show, The McShay Show, The Rewatchables, and Conspiracy Theories.

Since that partnership, Netflix has expanded its podcast library by licensing shows from iHeartMedia and Barstool. The company also launched its own productions, including The Pete Davidson Show. It has signed deals with creators such as Jay Shetty and Charlemagne Tha God.

The podcast strategy requires exclusivity for these titles on the platform. Analysts view the move as a way to compete with YouTube and to attract viewers during daytime hours. Netflix has not released viewing statistics for these podcasts or announced a full-scale expansion into the medium.