Brian Goldner Wiki – Brian Goldner Biography
Brian Goldner, CEO of Hasbro, passed away at age 58 of cancer several days after taking a medical leave from Rhode Island-based toy and entertainment giant Pawtucket. The transformational executive was key to expanding the company into entertainment, leading Transformers and G.I. Joe to the big screen. Under Goldner, Hasbro acquired the independent Canadian company. Entertainment one studio in 2019, selling his music business.
“It is with deep and profound sadness that Hasbro announces the passing of beloved leader and president and CEO Brian D. Goldner,” the company said in a statement Tuesday afternoon.
Goldner first disclosed his cancer diagnosis in 2020, saying he had been in treatment since 2014. Hasbro announced on October 10 that he would be taking indefinite leave for medical reasons.
“Since joining the company more than two decades ago, Brian has been the heart and soul of Hasbro. As a charismatic and passionate leader in the gaming and entertainment industries, Brian’s work brought joy and laughter to children and families around the world. His visionary leadership, kindness and generosity made him loved by the Hasbro community and everyone he touched. On behalf of the Hasbro family, we extend our condolences to his wife, daughter and the entire family, ”said Rich Stoddart, Acting CEO.
Goldner was also on the ViacomCBS board of directors.
Goldner joined Hasbro in 2000 and was quickly recognized as a visionary in the industry. He was named CEO in 2008 and President in 2015. He was instrumental in transforming the company into a global games and entertainment leader, expanding beyond toys and games to television, movies, and digital games, including the 2019 acquisition of independent entertainment studio Entertainment One. in 2019 for $ 3.8 billion. He sold Entertainment One’s music business to investment firm Blackstone for $ 385 million in cash.
The company’s content portfolio includes Peppa Pig for television and film franchises Transformers, G.I. Joe and My Little Pony – the latter has a new Netflix movie (My Little Pony: A New Generation). GI Joe’s latest installment Snake Eyes was released in July. Other Hasbro brands include Magic: The Gathering, Nerf, Play-Doh, Monopoly, Dungeons & Dragons, Power Rangers, and PJ Masks.
Edward Philip, Senior Independent Director of Hasbro’s Board of Directors, said: “Brian’s death is a tremendous loss to Hasbro and the world. Brian was universally admired and respected in the industry, and during his twenty-plus years at Hasbro, his inspiring leadership and exuberance left an indelible mark on everything and everyone he played. A mentor and friend to many, his passion and creativity took Hasbro to new heights. Our love and thoughts are with his wife, daughter and family during this extraordinarily sad time. ”
Hasbro was founded in 1923 by Henry and Hillel Hassenfeld. According to the company’s website, it first sold textile scraps and then moved on to school supplies. The first toys in the 1940s were doctor and nurse kits. Mr. Potato Head in 1952 revolutionized the toy industry by becoming the first toy advertised on television. He released the iconic GI Joe action figure in the 1960s. (He invented the term “action figure” to market to children). My Little Pony and Transformers arrived in the 1980s. The first Transformers movie was in 2007. Goldner launched Hasbro Studios in 2009, a year after being named CEO, the first outsider (non-family member) to run the company. .
Hasbro signed a license agreement with Disney’s consumer production for the Princess and Frozen brands. Acquired animation studio Boulder Media in 2016. Acquired Power Rangers from Saban and released Magic: The Gathering Arena in 2018.
Goldner is survived by his wife and daughter. She lost her 23-year-old son to a heroin overdose in 2015.
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