Netflix Taps Former Nike Exec Josh Simon To Lead Consumer Products Unit

Netflix has tapped a former Nike executive to lead its consumer products division.

Josh Simon — who formerly served as Nike’s VP and head of global strategy for product, design, merchandising, and categories — has joined the streaming giant as VP of consumer products. In this role, he will be charged with identifying and building plans across different product lines, and collaborating with content teams on brand and audience strategy, Variety reports.

Beginning March 2 and based in Los Angeles, Simon will oversee the division that has created toys, games, and apparel tied to Netflix hits like sci-fi thriller Stranger Things, the rom-com sequel To All The Boys: P.S. I Still Love You, and the Spanish heist drama La Casa De Papel.

Simon replaces Christie Fleischer, who formerly served as Netflix’s global head of consumer products, per Variety, but who departed the company last summer to join Benefit Cosmetics as CEO. Prior to Netflix, Simon was at Nike for five years — and before that served as president and co-founder of beverage company Function Drinks. Simon also counts a six-year tenure at Disney, rising to director of production and development at Walt Disney Studios.

Netflix’s search for an exec to oversee product licensing — including books, comics, gaming toys, collectibles, soundtracks, and apparel — dates back to Feb. 2017. The company has previously said that products could not only serve as another revenue stream but also a marketing vehicle for its shows.