Mattel appoints Ynon Kreiz as new CEO

Posted on 20th April 2018 By Billy Langsworthy

Mattel CEO Margo Georgiadis has stepped down, with the firm appointing Ynon Kriez, the former CEO of Maker Studios, as her replacement.

Georgiadis leaves Mattel to join Ancestry as the firm’s new CEO.

Kreiz has been a Mattel director since June 2017 and Georgiadis will remain in an advisory role at Mattel until May 10th, 2018.

“Mattel is an iconic company with many of the world’s most beloved brands and greatest toy franchises,” said Kriez.

“I am excited by the opportunity to lead the company towards its next phase of transformation and restore Mattel to a high performing toy company. While the company has been facing significant challenges, we have achieved constructive progress in many key areas. I am committed to building on our existing strategy as we continue to aggressively implement our transformation plan.

“Since joining the Board in June 2017, I’ve been impressed with the quality and depth of the team across the organization. I look forward to working together to fulfill Mattel’s long term potential and unlock the full value of its world class IP.”

Georgiadis added: “We have made strong progress in addressing the critical structural challenges facing Mattel, and I know Ynon is committed to building on that progress alongside our talented leadership team.

“It has been a privilege to lead such an iconic company at an important time of change, and I want to thank the amazing people at Mattel for their tireless commitment to inspiring wonder in kids across the world. I am proud of what we accomplished together and confident in Mattel’s path forward.”