Executive Changes at Mattel
Mattel, Inc., announced yesterday key changes to the company’s executive leadership team, effective immediately. Richard Dickson has been named president, chief brands officer. Tim Kilpin has been named president, chief commercial officer. Both Dickson and Kilpin will report to Mattel chairman and CEO, Bryan Stockton.
“As we take bold steps to transform Mattel into a more nimble, creative, and consumer-centric company, Richard and Tim will play a critical role in ensuring that our global brands and commercial teams are in lockstep, as we focus on bringing the most on-trend and in-demand products to market,” said Stockton in a statement.
Dickson will continue to oversee worldwide brand, design, development, and marketing strategies for the Mattel and Fisher-Price portfolio of core brands, including Barbie, Hot Wheels, and Thomas & Friends. Dickson will assume additional responsibility for the company’s global consumer insights, marketing communications, innovation, and digital initiatives groups. Dickson was appointed chief brands officer in 2014, having previously served as president and CEO of branded businesses at The Jones Group. Prior to The Jones Group, Dickson held key leadership positions at Mattel.
Kilpin will now direct the company’s sales and marketing operations globally. He will continue to be responsible for further strengthening Mattel’s presence in developed and emerging markets throughout Europe, Latin America, and Asia. He will also assume additional responsibility for the North American division, with oversight of all sales and marketing activity in the United States and Canada. Kilpin was appointed executive vice-president, international in 2014. He has held a variety of leadership positions with Mattel and The Walt Disney Company over the course of his career, having first joined Mattel in 1984.