Story perspectives

Mattel CEO Ynon Kreiz to exit Oct. 2

By Drooid · Sep 30, 2026, 6:24 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Kreiz Joins Paramount

Mattel CEO Ynon Kreiz will leave to assume a senior role at the merged Paramount-Warner Bros. studio.
His departure becomes effective Oct. 2.
Roger Lynch, former Condé Nast CEO, will replace Kreiz as Mattel chairman and CEO.
Mattel reported weak holiday sales and its shares fell over 5% in trading, down more than 35% YTD.
Kreiz previously oversaw Mattel Studios’ Barbie, the top global box-office film of 2023.

Summary

Lynch Drives Growth

Roger Lynch drove Condé Nast’s digital subscription revenue up 155% since 2020.
Condé Nast’s commerce revenue climbed 170% over the same period.
U.S. tentpole events revenue multiplied ninefold for Condé Nast since 2020.
AI-driven web traffic declines forced Condé Nast to cut print editions and lay off staff.
Mike Perlis, former Forbes CEO, will serve as interim Condé Nast CEO during the search.

History

Historical Context

On January 10 2000 AOL announced a $180 billion merger with Time Warner, giving AOL shareholders a 55% stake; the deal closed January 11 2001 and soon proved disastrous amid the dot-com crash, leading to massive losses and the 2009 spin-off. Today, Mattel’s Ynon Kreiz moves to Paramount-Warner Bros. and Condé Nast names Roger Lynch, echoing the same cross-industry leadership reshuffles that once destabilized the AOL-Time Warner union.

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Kreiz Joins Paramount

Mattel CEO Ynon Kreiz will leave to assume a senior role at the merged Paramount-Warner Bros. studio.
His departure becomes effective Oct. 2.
Roger Lynch, former Condé Nast CEO, will replace Kreiz as Mattel chairman and CEO.
Mattel reported weak holiday sales and its shares fell over 5% in trading, down more than 35% YTD.
Kreiz previously oversaw Mattel Studios’ Barbie, the top global box-office film of 2023.

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