Mattel has appointed Roger Lynch as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, succeeding Ynon Kreiz as the company enters its next phase of growth across toys, entertainment, digital gaming, and other businesses.
Lynch, currently a Mattel Board member and Independent Lead Director, will become Chairman effective October 2, 2026, and Chief Executive Officer effective on or before November 2, 2026. Kreiz will step down as Chairman and CEO effective October 2 to take a senior leadership position at another public company.
Mattel also appointed current Board member Diana Ferguson as its new Independent Lead Director.
Lynch has served on Mattel’s Board since 2018 and brings experience spanning media, technology and consumer businesses. He has served as CEO of Condé Nast since 2019, overseeing the global media company’s portfolio of brands through a period that included the unification of its global operations and expansion of intellectual property monetization opportunities.
Mattel said Condé Nast has delivered significant and consistent profit growth since 2020 under Lynch’s leadership. The media company reaches more than one billion consumers across 32 markets, and Lynch has overseen expansion across subscriptions, video, live experiences, commerce and strategic partnerships.
Before joining Condé Nast, Lynch served as President and CEO of Pandora, which at the time was the largest U.S. music streaming service. He was previously the founding CEO of Sling TV, where he led the creation, launch and scaling of the over-the-top television service.
His earlier executive roles included Chairman and CEO of UK-based IPTV technology company Video Networks International and President and CEO of Chello Broadband, a broadband internet provider operating across 10 European countries.
The appointment follows a comprehensive succession process led by Mattel Board member Judy Olian.
Kreiz has led Mattel for eight years, during which the company expanded beyond its traditional toy business toward a broader intellectual property-driven strategy encompassing film, television, consumer products, digital games, live experiences and publishing.
During his tenure, Mattel strengthened its positions across several major toy categories and currently ranks No. 1 globally in Dolls, Vehicles, and Infant, Toddler & Preschool. Hot Wheels is on track for its ninth consecutive year of growth, while Mattel has also expanded in Action Figures and launched Mattel Brick Shop.
The company has secured new and renewed entertainment licenses involving properties including Disney Princess and Frozen, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Toy Story, KPop Demon Hunters and DC.
Mattel has also expanded its intellectual property into entertainment. Mattel Studios’ first theatrical release, Barbie, became the No. 1 global box office film of 2023 and Warner Bros. Pictures’ highest-grossing movie of all time.
In digital gaming, Mattel acquired full ownership of Mattel163, expanding its mobile game development, publishing and digital customer acquisition capabilities.
The company has also restructured and diversified its supply chain, increased free cash flow, strengthened its balance sheet, returned to an investment-grade credit rating and resumed share repurchases.
Lynch will now be responsible for building on those initiatives while advancing Mattel’s strategy of using its portfolio of brands across toys, entertainment and digital products.
Ferguson, who will become Independent Lead Director, has served on Mattel’s Board since 2020. She has experience in finance, strategy, consumer products and public company governance and currently serves as Principal of Scarlett Investments. She is also a director and Governance Committee Chair at Gartner and Chair of the Board of Sally Beauty Holdings.
KEY QUOTES:
“Roger is a visionary leader with a track record of growing global companies at the forefront of changing industry and consumer trends. Throughout his service on the Board, Roger has been an invaluable contributor to shaping the company’s direction in the midst of its expansion into entertainment and digital products. The Board is most grateful for Ynon’s eight years of transformational leadership, and wishes him every success in his new role. Ynon leaves an invaluable legacy of transitioning Mattel from a toy manufacturer to a leading IP-driven play and family entertainment company. Knowing Roger as we do, we are confident that he and the talented Mattel team will build on that powerful foundation, and continue to advance our strategy to leverage our iconic brand portfolio.”
Judy Olian, Board Member at Mattel
“I am honored by the Board’s confidence in me and couldn’t be more excited to lead the incredible team at Mattel. Throughout my years on the Board, I have admired Mattel’s brands, its talented people, and unique culture. I am especially grateful to Ynon for his many years of outstanding leadership and service to the company. During his tenure, Mattel has leveraged the power of its world-class brands, attracted exceptional entertainment partners, and strengthened its balance sheet. The company is well positioned for its next phase of profitable growth and its exciting new chapter.”
Roger Lynch, Incoming Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Mattel
“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. Mattel is in a position of strength, with a world-class brand portfolio, product offering, and global capabilities. I am grateful to the Board, management team, and entire Mattel organization for their commitment and collaboration during the past eight years, and I have every confidence the company will continue to thrive under Roger’s leadership.”
Ynon Kreiz, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Mattel
