Mattel Named Roger Lynch as New CEO and Chairman
The leadership change marks a shift in Mattel's entertainment-focused growth strategy.
Updated on Sept. 30, 2026 in People
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Mattel has appointed Roger Lynch as its new CEO and chairman, succeeding Ynon Kreiz. Lynch, who has served as a board member since 2018, takes the helm following Kreiz's eight-year tenure.
Why it matters
The transition aims to continue the entertainment strategy established during Kreiz's leadership, which significantly shaped the company's market approach. The move comes as Kreiz prepares to take a position at another public company.
Roger Lynch joins Mattel after an eight-year leadership term under Ynon Kreiz. The transition follows Lynch's experience on the company's board, where he has served since 2018.
The players
Roger Lynch
The incoming CEO and chairman of Mattel who previously led Condé Nast.
Ynon Kreiz
The departing CEO who led the toymaker through an eight-year entertainment-focused growth period.
Mattel
A global toy and entertainment company known for managing major intellectual property brands.
Condé Nast
A global media holding company that manages high-profile print and digital publications.
Mike Perlis
An executive appointed to serve as the interim CEO for Condé Nast during the leadership transition.
The details
Roger Lynch previously served as the CEO of Condé Nast, which owns media brands including Vogue, The New Yorker, Vanity Fair, and Wired. Following his departure to Mattel, Mike Perlis has been appointed as the interim CEO of Condé Nast. Mattel selected Lynch to maintain continuity in its ongoing entertainment-driven business strategy.
Timeline
2018: Roger Lynch joined the Mattel board.
September 30, 2026: Mattel and Condé Nast announced leadership changes.
Market Landscape
This transition concludes the tenure of Ynon Kreiz, who led Mattel beginning in 2018. It marks a shift from his established entertainment-focused strategy to the vision of a new chairman and CEO.
Operators should monitor whether the incoming leadership maintains the current entertainment-oriented intellectual property strategy or shifts toward cost-cutting or operational consolidation. The transition highlights the importance of internal board-level succession planning for large-cap firms.
The takeaway
The move suggests a focus on continuity at the board and executive levels to sustain long-term growth. Operators should evaluate their own bench strength for leadership roles to ensure the company strategy survives the eventual departure of key personnel.
Further reading
For more on industry leadership changes, visit People.
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