Netflix Hires Ex-Apple Podcast Chief Steve Wilson

Netflix just hired the man who built Apple Podcasts for 15 years to run its own deals. Steve Wilson, the former Apple exec, is now contracted to lead Netflix's podcast acquisitions. He spent 15 years at Apple in editorial, partner relations and marketing before leaving in 2020. After Apple, he joined QCode as chief strategy officer, handling partnerships and content strategy. Wilson said podcasting "empowers individuals to share their voice and promote storytelling." Netflix launched its own podcasts in October 2025, pulling shows like Spotify's The Ringer. It also expanded an iHeartMedia deal, adding podcasts from Martha Stewart, Kate and Oliver Hudson, and Lele Pons. In May 2024 Netflix began streaming Charlamagne Tha God's live Breakfast Club show. The hire follows layoffs of about 1,000 jobs, roughly six percent of staff. It also came after Bela Bajaria was replaced by Peter Rice and film head Dan Lin left. Wilson summed up his mission: "Podcasting empowers individuals to share their voice," now at Netflix.