FUNKO taps Netflix executive to lead company

EVERETT — The board of Everett-based Funko named a former Netflix and Nike executive as its new CEO.

Josh Simon, who was vice president of consumer products for Netflix, will begin his job with Funko on Sept. 1, the company announced on Aug. 12.

In the press release, Simon said he was honored to join the team at Funko, calling it “an iconic company with a huge fan base.”

“Pop culture — and people’s desire to connect with the lifestyle brands they love — is stronger today than ever,” he said. “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 succeeds former CEO Cynthia Williams, who was let go in July. Williams, a former executive at Hasbro, only led Funko for 14 months before her sudden departure.

Funko board member Michael Lunsford served as interim CEO while the company searched for a permanent replacement.

Charles Denson, board chairperson for the company, said Simon is what Funko needs.

“Josh is an exceptional leader and his extensive experience in entertainment and consumer products is exactly what Funko needs in its next CEO,” Denson said in the press release.

Simon takes over a company in extreme financial difficulties, marked by the latest bad news of a $41 million loss in the financial quarter ending June 30. Funko officials attributed the latest losses to tariffs and weaker consumer demand for its products during the second quarter earnings call on Aug. 7.

The company also faces repayment of $250 million in debt by September 2026.

Funko officials didn’t respond to a request for an interview with Simon.

At Netflix, Simon oversaw its global merchandise business, live experiences, and the Roald Dahl Story Company. Simon built and scaled the division, creating a broad range of products for Netflix’s biggest titles, such as Stranger Things, Bridgerton, Squid Games and dozens of others.

Randy Diamond: 425-339-3097; randy.diamond@heraldnet.com.