Netflix hires ex-Apple exec to lead podcast deals

Netflix has added a former Apple executive to its team to guide its growing podcast business.

The company confirmed that Steve Wilson will serve as a consultant focused on podcast content acquisition. Bloomberg first reported the move. Wilson previously spent 15 years at Apple, where he worked in editorial, partner relations, and marketing for Apple Podcasts. He most recently served as chief strategy officer at QCODE and worked at Daylight Media.

Netflix made this hire while reducing its workforce by about 6 percent. The streamer announced plans to cut approximately 1,000 positions, marking its largest staff reduction since 2022. The company stated it was reviewing areas where it was overinvested. The cuts included senior leadership, such as chief content officer Bela Bajaria, film chief Dan Lin, and VP of film Doug Belgrad. Several high-ranking television executives were also removed as part of a content strategy revamp.

Wilson's arrival signals a deeper commitment to podcasts despite the recent layoffs. Netflix entered the space in November 2025 with a partnership with Spotify. That deal brought video podcasts from Spotify Studios and The Ringer to the platform. Titles included The Bill Simmons Podcast, The Zach Lowe Show, The McShay Show, The Rewatchables, and Conspiracy Theories. Since then, Netflix has licensed podcasts from iHeartMedia and Barstool. It also launched original shows like The Pete Davidson Show and signed creators Jay Shetty and Charlemagne Tha God.

Analysts view the podcast push as a way to compete with YouTube and drive daytime viewership. The deals require exclusivity for the content on the Netflix platform. However, the company has not released viewing statistics for these shows. It has not yet made a full-scale investment in the medium beyond these specific acquisitions.

Wilson will begin his role as a consultant. Netflix has not announced when he will move into a full-time position. The streamer continues to evaluate its content portfolio while integrating new podcast assets.