Netflix Taps Former Apple Exec Steve Wilson To Lead Podcast Acquisitions

Steve Wilson has been tapped to head Netflix‘s podcast division as it seeks new growth opportunities, Deadline has learned.

The former Apple Podcasts executive has been contracted by the streamer to lead the company’s podcast acquisitions.

Wilson had spent 15 years at Apple, where he worked across editorial, partner relations, and marketing. He left in 2020 and joined QCode as Chief Strategy Officer, overseeing partnerships, marketing, distribution, and content strategy.

When he joined QCode, Wilson said, “Podcasting empowers individuals to share their voice with the world and promote storytelling, which engenders connection and empathy,” something he can now apply at Netflix.

Wilson joins Netflix as the streamer pushes podcasts on its platform. They recently expanded their video partnership with iHeartMedia with new podcasts from Martha Stewart, Kate Hudson and brother Oliver Hudson, and Lele Pons. In May of this year, the digital media platform started streaming Charlamagne Tha God’s live show, The Breakfast Club. In October 2025, Netflix launched podcasts, bringing shows from Spotify’s The Ringer to its platform.

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The executive also joins Netflix amid a major shakeup in the executive ranks, recently replacing content chief Bela Bajaria with Peter Rice and ousting film head Dan Lin.

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Earlier this month, Netflix laid off 6% of its global staff, about 1,000 jobs. The cuts hit product, tech, legal, and HR teams hardest, as the company faces slower growth and increased competition.