Ynon Kreiz is Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Mattel, a leading global play and family entertainment company and owner of one of the most iconic brand portfolios in the world, including Barbie, Hot Wheels, Fisher-Price, UNO, American Girl, and Thomas & Friends. He joined the company as Chairman and CEO in 2018.
Mr. Kreiz has led a multi-year transformation strategy at Mattel. Since joining the company, he has strengthened its leadership across key toy categories and expanded its brands into new entertainment verticals, including film, television, consumer products, digital games, live events and experiences, and publishing.
Under Mr. Kreiz’s leadership, Mattel’s first theatrical release, “Barbie” became the #1 global box office film of 2023 and Warner Bros. Pictures’ highest-grossing movie of all time. The Barbie movie was nominated for eight Academy Awards, including Best Picture, and won the Oscar for Best Original Song. Mattel continues to build a robust film slate with “Masters of the Universe” and “Matchbox” scheduled for global release in 2026.
During Mr. Kreiz’s tenure, Mattel has been recognized for its workplace culture and employee well-being by Forbes, TIME, Fast Company, the Healthiest 100 Workplaces in America, and the Great Place to Work Institute, among others.
Mr. Kreiz has extensive experience as a corporate leader in the entertainment industry, with a track record of scaling content and brands globally. During his career spanning more than 30 years, he has successfully managed and invested in international enterprises that have pioneered new business models at the intersection of media and technology.
Prior to Mattel, Mr. Kreiz was Chairman and CEO of Maker Studios, a global leader in short-form video content and one of YouTube’s largest multichannel networks, which was acquired by The Walt Disney Company. He previously served as Chairman and CEO of Endemol Group, the world’s largest independent television production company and owner of global franchises such as “Big Brother” and “Deal or No Deal.” Earlier in his career, he was a General Partner at Balderton Capital (formerly Benchmark Capital Europe), specializing in early-stage media and technology investments.
Mr. Kreiz began his career as co-founder, Chairman, and CEO of Fox Kids Europe NV, which developed and owned pay TV channels across Europe and the Middle East. The company was acquired by The Walt Disney Company.
Mr. Kreiz holds a BA degree in Economics and Management from Tel Aviv University and an MBA from UCLA Anderson School of Management. He serves on the Board of Directors of Warner Music Group and the Board of Advisors of the UCLA Anderson School of Management. Mr. Kreiz is a member of Business Roundtable and the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. He was named in 2024 one of TIME's 100 Most Influential People in the World and Entertainment Person of the Year by Cannes Lions.