Nov 21, 2011
Bryan Stockton to Become Mattel CEO; Robert Eckert Will Retire
Robert Eckert has informed Mattel’s board of directors of his decision to retire as CEO, after 11 years with the company, effective December 31. The board has named Bryan Stockton (pictured), who has held the position of COO for the past year, to succeed Eckert as CEO, effective January 1, 2012. Eckert has agreed to continue in his role as chairman of the board, and the board has elected Stockton as a member of the board, effective January 1.
For the past year, Stockton has served as COO, with responsibility for the day-to-day operations of the company, including its business units: Mattel Brands, Fisher-Price, American Girl, and the North American and International divisions. Stockton has also been responsible for the operations and corporate responsibility functions. Stockton joined Mattel in November 2000 as executive vice president of business planning and development, and was responsible for identifying and developing strategic opportunities for the company, as well as managing all merger and acquisition activity. He gained responsibility for the International division in 2003, where he began driving Mattel’s business outside the U.S., including sales and marketing for Barbie, Hot Wheels, and Fisher-Price. He was promoted to president of International in 2007.
