Mattel Appoints New Board Member
Ynon Kreiz has been elected to serve on Mattel’s board of directors.
Kreiz brings more than 20 years of experience as a leader, operator, and investor in the media and entertainment industry. He most recently served as chairman and CEO of the multi-channel network Maker Studios. He previously served as chairman and CEO of Endemol, the independent television production company. Prior to that he served as chairman and CEO of Fox Kids Europe, which he co-founded and expanded into 56 countries to become one of the largest pay-TV channels in Europe and the Middle East.
Prior, Kreiz was general partner at European venture capital firm Balderton Capital (formerly Benchmark Capital Europe), during which time he served on the boards of several media and technology companies. He is also a member of the board of directors at Warner Music Group.
“We are excited to welcome Ynon to the Mattel Board of Directors,” says Executive Chairman Christopher A. Sinclair. “Ynon brings deep expertise as a leader and innovator in the international media space, and he will add important insight and guidance to support the successful implementation of our strategy. His election is an important step in the process to replenish our Board and address the scheduled retirement of myself and Fran Fergusson at the end of the current term.”
The election of Mr. Kreiz by Board action brings the total number of directors to 12.
Nickelodeon Strengthens Retail Development Group
Nickelodeon has promoted two key members of its consumer products retail development team. Tara Gartman Shaw has been promoted to vice-president, retail development for Walmart, reporting to Ken Mantel; and Alana Visco has been promoted to vice-president, retail development for specialty and value channels, reporting to Jose L. Castro.
In her new role as vice-president, retail development for Walmart, Gartman Shaw assumes responsibility for the seasonal, publishing, social, and soft lines businesses for the account. Based in Nickelodeon’s Bentonville, Ark. office, Gartman Shaw is a 10-year Nickelodeon veteran and she has been instrumental in the company’s year-over-year growth at Walmart in soft lines.
As vice-president, retail development for specialty and value channels, Visco will add management of publishing and arts & crafts retail accounts while continuing to oversee emerging channels for Nickelodeon retail, including specialty accounts such as Hot Topic, Forever 21, Macy’s, Nordstrom, Bloomingdale’s, and Urban Outfitters as well as value accounts such as Dollar General, Family Dollar, and Five Below. During her 11-year career at Nickelodeon in New York, Visco also worked on the company’s toy development team.