A New Boss With Boardroom Roots
If you know Mattel for Hot Wheels and Barbie, here is the headline: the company is handing the keys to Roger Lynch. A Mattel board member since 2018, Lynch has been named CEO and chairman, following Ynon Kreiz. He is set to chair the board starting Oct. 2 and to assume the CEO post by Nov. 2. "I am honored by the Board's confidence in me and couldn't be more excited to lead the incredible team at Mattel," Lynch said, adding, "Throughout my years on the Board, I have admired Mattel's brands, its talented people, and unique culture."
Since 2019, Lynch has served as CEO of Condé Nast. In a letter, he said Mike Perlis will act as interim CEO at Condé Nast as the board starts looking for his successor.
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Kreiz's Exit and What He Leaves Behind
Following more than eight years in charge, Kreiz will leave Mattel to take a senior leadership role at another public company. During his run, he steered major changes at the toymaker and entertainment company, including Barbie, which led the U.S. box office in 2023. "It has been a privilege to lead Mattel, with a global team dedicated to its mission and purpose, and I am proud of all we have achieved together," Kreiz said. "Mattel is in a position of strength, with a world-class brand portfolio, product offering, and global capabilities."
What's Next for the Toymaker
Mattel has been sharpening its flagship franchises, with Hot Wheels a standout. The company is also attempting to break into the digital games space to keep pace with rival Hasbro, and earlier this year it took full ownership of the Mattel163 Mobile Games Studio.
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