Roger Lynch Named Mattel CEO and Chairman

Mattel has appointed Roger Lynch as its new CEO and chairman following Ynon Kreiz's eight-year tenure.

Updated on Sept. 30, 2026 in People

Roger Lynch Named Mattel CEO and Chairman

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Mattel announced that Roger Lynch has been named the company's new CEO and chairman, succeeding Ynon Kreiz. The transition follows Kreiz's eight years of leadership as he moves to a position at another public company.

Why it matters

The board selected Roger Lynch to lead Mattel to ensure continuity for its ongoing entertainment-driven growth strategy. Lynch brings experience to the role from his previous tenure on the company's board of directors.

Roger Lynch has served on the Mattel board of directors since 2018. His predecessor, Ynon Kreiz, led the company for a total of eight years.

The players

Roger Lynch

He is the newly appointed CEO and chairman of Mattel who previously led the publishing house Condé Nast.

Ynon Kreiz

He is the outgoing CEO of Mattel who served in the leadership position for eight years.

Mike Perlis

He has been named the interim CEO of Condé Nast following the departure of Roger Lynch.

Mattel

This is a global toy and entertainment company known for brands like Barbie and Hot Wheels.

Condé Nast

This is a global media company that owns major brands such as Vogue, The New Yorker, and Wired.

The details

Roger Lynch joins Mattel from his role as the CEO of Condé Nast, the parent company behind publications like Vogue, The New Yorker, Vanity Fair, and Wired. Following his departure, Condé Nast has appointed Mike Perlis to serve as interim CEO.

Roger Lynch joined the Mattel board of directors in 2018.
The leadership changes for both Mattel and Condé Nast were announced on September 30, 2026.

Market Landscape

This transition signals a continued commitment to the company's entertainment-heavy corporate strategy. The appointment follows the pattern set by the 2018 strategic pivot to entertainment-led growth at Mattel.

The leadership change serves as an internal corporate transition and does not immediately impact the availability or pricing of consumer products. Shoppers can expect business as usual for the company's brands while the new leadership team settles into their roles.

The takeaway

Leadership transitions are a standard part of corporate life intended to align executive expertise with the long-term goals of the brand. Investors and consumers should monitor public disclosures to see how the new executive team refines the existing entertainment strategy.