Mattel CEO Ynon Kreiz is leaving the toymaker to join Paramount David Ellison as he joins Warner Bros. Discovery, according to media reports.
On Monday, Mattel revealed that Kreiz was leaving for another senior executive role at an undisclosed public company, effective Oct. 2, and that he would be succeeded by Conde Nast CEO Roger Lynch.
Kreiz’s role in the joint venture could not be immediately learned. Representatives for Mattel and Paramount did not immediately return TheWrap’s request for comment.
During Kreiz’s tenure, Mattel has been ranked number one globally in the Dolls, Vehicles, and Infant, Toddler & Preschool toy categories. Hot Wheels is also on track for its ninth consecutive year of growth and the company has continued to build momentum in Action Figures and successfully launched the Mattel Brick Store.
Kreiz has also been instrumental in moving Mattel into Hollywood with Greta Gerwig’s “Barbie” in 2023 and has helped lead the development of several film and TV adaptations that have expanded the brand. The movie company launched “Masters of the Universe” with Amazon this summer, and next is “Matchbox” with John Cena for Apple. In addition, he oversaw the company’s expansion into digital gaming with full ownership of Mattel163.
Mattel’s new or renewed entertainment franchises include Disney Princess and Frozen, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Toy Story, KPop Demon Hunters and DC, among others.
More to come…
