Legends Live @Citi: Ynon Kreiz
HIGHLIGHTS
- Under Chairman and CEO Ynon Kreiz, Mattel is shifting its strategy from a toy manufacturer to an IP company, creating entertainment franchises to drive cultural relevance and growth
- The "Barbie" movie, Warner Brothers' most successful film in 100 years, serves as the primary case study for this IP-first model
- Mattel plans to replicate this model with other iconic brands, including developing projects for Hot Wheels and a cinematic television series for the Magic-8 Ball
Citi hosted Mattel Chairman and CEO Ynon Kreiz for another session of our global speaker series Legends Live @Citi.
Ynon Kreiz is a visionary leader who has led the remarkable transformation of Mattel from a traditional toy manufacturer into a global entertainment and intellectual property powerhouse. During the session, he shared insights on the groundbreaking success of the Barbie movie and the strategy behind leveraging iconic brands. He also gave us a glimpse into Mattel’s innovative roadmap, including news regarding the recently announced series based on the Magic-8 Ball and the work the firm is doing to thoughtfully integrate AI for cutting-edge play experiences for future generations.
Ynon Kreiz, CEO, Mattel
Ynon Kreiz is Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Mattel, a leading global toy and family entertainment company and owner of one of the most iconic brand portfolios in the world, including Barbie, Hot Wheels, UNO and Fisher-Price. He joined the company as CEO in April 2018 and was appointed Chairman of the Board of Directors in May 2018.
Mr. Kreiz led a multi-year transformation strategy that established Mattel as an IP-driven, high-performing toy company. Under his leadership, Mattel has achieved significant improvements across multiple key financial metrics. Per Circana, in 2024 Mattel ranked #1 globally in each of its leader toy categories: Dolls, Vehicles, and Infant, Toddler and Preschool. Mattel has also been growing its entertainment offering in film, television, consumer products, digital games, live events and experiences, publishing and music.
Under Mr. Kreiz’s leadership, Mattel Films has announced 16 motion pictures in active production or development with major studio partners. The company’s first movie, “Barbie,” became a cultural phenomenon, achieving the largest global box-office in 2023 and the industry’s 14th-highest grossing movie of all time. The Barbie movie was nominated for eight Academy Awards including Best Picture and received the Oscar for Best Original Song.
Mr. Kreiz received 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 is a member of the Board of Advisors of the UCLA Anderson School of Management. Mr. Kreiz is a member of Business Roundtable, an association of chief executive officers of America’s leading companies, and the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences Executive Branch.
Leon Kalvaria, Global Chair of Banking, Citi
Leon Kalvaria is a member of the Client Organization Management Committee, and Citi’s Private Equity Investment Oversight Committee. Previously, Leon was Chairman of Citi’s Institutional Clients Group. Before that, he was Global Head of Consumer and Healthcare Investment Banking.
Leon joined Schroders in 1996 as Global Head of Consumer Banking, and Citigroup in 2000 following the merger of the two companies.
Prior to Schroders, Leon served as Vice Chairman and a Director of Triarc Companies, an investment company, and as Managing Director in the Mergers & Acquisitions Group at Credit Suisse First Boston. Leon was also a pioneer in the interest rate swap market at First Boston and a founding member of ISDA.
Leon has advised numerous Chief Executive Officers and Boards of Directors in some of the largest and most complex global mergers and acquisitions, recapitalizations and public offerings.
Leon received his BA from Princeton University (Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs) and is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations, and Heineken Family Council.
