Ynon Kreiz, the long‑time chief executive of toy‑maker Mattel, will step down after eight years in the role and is set to join Paramount Pictures in a senior position, Variety reports.
The move comes as Paramount, owned by media entrepreneur David Ellison, is on the brink of finalising its mega‑merger with Warner Bros. Discovery. Kreiz’s appointment is said to be part of the new studio’s strategy as it prepares for the combined entity’s launch.
Mattel has been led by Kreiz since 2015, during which time the company expanded its brand portfolio and digital initiatives. His departure follows a period of significant growth and restructuring for the company.
Two industry sources confirmed the arrangement, with one speaking to Variety about Ellison’s “courting” of Kreiz for the role. No official statement has yet been released by either company.
Paramount’s merger with Warner Bros. Discovery is expected to create one of the largest entertainment conglomerates in the world, bringing together a vast library of film and television content.
While details of Kreiz’s new responsibilities remain undisclosed, the appointment signals a strengthening of leadership ties between the toy and media sectors as the merger moves toward completion.
<small>Source: Variety — read the original story there.</small>
