Mattel Names Roger Lynch CEO and Chairman, Succeeding Ynon Kreiz

Mattel has named Roger Lynch as its new CEO and chairman, replacing Ynon Kreiz at the top of the company behind Barbie and Hot Wheels. The announcement came Wednesday via a company press release.

Lynch is no stranger to the toy maker. He has served on Mattel's board since 2018, according to the release. That seven-year tenure means he arrives in the top job already familiar with the company's brands, leadership and strategy.

The transition follows a two-step timeline. Lynch assumes the chairman role on Oct. 2, and he takes over as CEO by Nov. 2, the press release states.

He brings significant media operating experience to El Segundo, California-based Mattel. Lynch is currently the CEO of Condé Nast, the magazine and media conglomerate, a position he has held since 2019. His move from publishing to toys pairs a media veteran with a company that has pushed aggressively into entertainment, films and licensing built on its flagship franchises.

Lynch addressed the appointment directly in the release. "I am honored by the Board's confidence in me and couldn't be more excited to lead the incredible team at Mattel," Lynch said. "Throughout my years on the Board, I have admired Mattel's brands, its talented people, and unique culture."

Kreiz departs after a tenure that saw Mattel's iconic doll franchise reach the big screen, with the company known for products including Barbie and Hot Wheels, headquartered in El Segundo, California. The company did not provide further details on Kreiz's next steps or the reasons behind the leadership change in the announcement.

The appointment installs a chief executive who combines board-level knowledge of Mattel with hands-on leadership of one of the world's best-known media portfolios. How Lynch leverages that dual background will shape the next phase of Mattel's expansion beyond the toy aisle and deeper into films, television and digital media.