Funko, Inc., the maker of bobbleheads and pop culture collectibles, appointed Josh Simon as CEO, effective September 1. Simon has also been appointed to the Funko Board of Directors, effective on the same date. He succeeds Interim CEO Mike Lunsford.
Simon worked for Nike from January 2015 to March 2020, with his last role being vice president and head of Global Strategy for Product, Design, Merchandising and Categories. Other roles at Nike included head of Global Category Strategy.
Simon was most recently at Netflix, where he served as VP of Consumer Products for just over five years, overseeing the company’s Global Merchandise business, live experiences, and the Roald Dahl Story Company. Simon created a broad range of products for Netflix’s Stranger Things, Bridgerton and Squid Game. He also launched its first e-commerce platform for consumer products and managed relationships with Walmart, Target and Primark.
“Josh is an exceptional leader, and his extensive experience in entertainment and consumer products is exactly what Funko needs in its next CEO,” said Charles Denson, chairman of the Board of Funko. “Moreover, he brings expertise in operations, licensing and strategy, gained while serving in senior leadership roles at such esteemed companies as Netflix, Nike and The Walt Disney Company. We are delighted to have him as our CEO as we work to maximize the significant growth opportunities ahead.”
On his appointment, Simon said, “I am honored to join the team at Funko, an iconic company with a huge fan base that I admire and respect. Pop culture and people’s desire to connect with the lifestyle brands they love are stronger today than ever. There are so many ways we can build on Funko’s fandom and expand our business for the benefit of both customers and shareholders.”
Images courtesy Funko
