Netflix taps former Apple executive Steve Wilson for podcast strategy

Netflix is expanding its audio content team by hiring Steve Wilson, a former Apple executive with extensive experience in podcast distribution and marketing.

Wilson will serve as a consultant leading podcast content acquisition. Netflix confirmed the role on Sunday, following initial reports from Bloomberg. The company did not disclose his salary or the duration of the consulting agreement.

Wilson spent 15 years at Apple, where he managed editorial, partner relations, and show marketing for Apple Podcasts. He most recently left Daylight Media, a podcast and creator content company. Prior to that, he served as chief strategy officer at QCODE.

The appointment occurs as Netflix restructures its content division. The streamer announced plans to cut approximately 6 percent of its workforce, totaling about 1,000 jobs. This is the largest staff reduction at the company since 2022. Netflix stated the cuts target areas where it has been overinvested. The layoffs included senior leaders such as chief content officer Bela Bajaria, film chief Dan Lin, and vice president of film Doug Belgrad.

Despite the workforce reductions, Netflix has increased its focus on podcasts. In November 2025, the company announced a partnership with Spotify for video podcasts from Spotify Studios and The Ringer. Titles under this agreement include The Bill Simmons Podcast, The Zach Lowe Show, The McShay Show, The Rewatchables, and Conspiracy Theories. The partnership requires exclusivity for these shows on the Netflix platform.

Netflix has since licensed podcasts from iHeartMedia and Barstool. The company also launched original programs, including The Pete Davidson Show, and signed creators such as Jay Shetty and Charlemagne Tha God. Industry observers view these moves as an effort to compete with YouTube and to attract daytime viewers. Netflix has not released viewing statistics for its podcast library.

The long-term scope of Netflix's podcast strategy remains open. The company has not made a full-scale push into the medium beyond the initial partnership and recent licenses. Wilson's role as a consultant suggests a phased approach to building the division.