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Mattel Announces Leadership Transition: Roger Lynch to Succeed Ynon Kreiz as CEO

By Drooid · Sep 30, 2026, 6:27 PM UTC · How we work

Core Event – Mattel’s Executive Changeover

Ynon Kreiz will step down as chairman and chief executive of Mattel effective October 2, moving to a senior leadership role at the soon-to-be-combined Paramount-Warner Bros. entity.

Variety Magazine

Roger Lynch, board member since 2018 and current chief executive of Condé Nast, will become chairman on October 2 and assume the CEO role on or before November 2.

Background & Context

Kreiz led Mattel from 2018, guiding the company into Hollywood with the 2023 “Barbie” film, the year’s top global box-office title, and adding licenses such as Disney Princess and Frozen. Under his tenure Mattel held No. 1 global market share in dolls, vehicles, and infant/toddler categories.

Lynch became Condé Nast’s chief executive in 2019 after roles at Pandora and Sling TV. During his tenure the publisher grew digital subscriptions 155 % and commerce revenue 170 % since 2020.

Business Insider

Data & Statistics

“Barbie” grossed $1.4 billion worldwide.

Mattel’s stock has fallen 31 % over the past five years; shares were down more than 5 % in early trading after the announcement and down 21 % in the last 12 months per separate reports.

Official Statements & Responses

Board member Judy Olian praised Lynch’s record and thanked Kreiz for eight years of transformational leadership.

Variety Magazine

Steven Newhouse, co-president of Advance Publications, said the board is grateful for Lynch’s leadership and expects a seamless transition.

Business Insider

Verbatim Quotes

“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,” — Ynon Kreiz, Mattel CEO

Deadline Hollywood

“I am honored by the Board’s confidence in me and couldn’t be more excited to lead the incredible team at Mattel,” — Roger Lynch, Condé Nast CEO

Hollywood Reporter

Timeline

October 2 2026 – Lynch becomes chairman; Kreiz steps down.

Variety Magazine

November 2 2026 – Lynch assumes the CEO role.

Business Insider

2023 – Release of “Barbie.”

2018-2026 – Kreiz’s tenure as Mattel CEO.

Variety Magazine

2019-2026 – Lynch’s tenure as Condé Nast CEO.

Business Insider

What’s Next

Mattel will leverage Lynch’s media background to expand digital games and franchise-linked toys.

Variety Magazine

Condé Nast will search for a permanent chief executive while interim CEO Mike Perlis oversees operations.

Conflicting Reports & Gaps

Share-price decline figures differ: one source cites a 31 % drop over five years, another reports a 21 % decline in the last 12 months. Both percentages are presented without reconciliation.