In another change in top leadership, toy company Funko announced that it named Josh Simon as its chief executive officer, effective Sept. 1.
Simon joins the company from Netflix, where he has been serving as the vice president of consumer products. There he oversaw its global merchandise business, live experiences and the Roald Dahl Story Company, as well as managed relationships with retailers including Walmart and Target.
Simon previously worked at Nike, most recently as the vice president and head of global strategy for product, design, merchandising and categories.
Simon will replace interim CEO Mike Lunsford, who took on the role after the July exit of then-CEO Cynthia Williams, who was with the company for a little over a year. Lunsford was also Funko’s interim chief between 2023 and 2024, following then-CEO Brian Mariotti taking a leave of absence and subsequently stepping down from the chief executive position.
Lunsford will continue to serve on Funko’s board.
“Josh is an exceptional leader and his extensive experience in entertainment and consumer products is exactly what Funko needs in its next CEO,” Charles Denson, Funko’s board chairman, said in a statement. “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.”
Funko last week reported a Q2 net sales decrease of 22%, to $193.5 million, and swung to a loss of $41 million. The company recently hired an outside firm to advise it on refinancing its debt, which is due in September 2026.
