Ynon Kreiz

Ynon Kreiz
Gage Skidmore from Peoria, AZ, United States of America · CC BY-SA 2.0 · source
Name	Ynon Kreiz
Birth date	1965
Birth place	Tel Aviv, Israel
Alma mater	Tel Aviv University, Harvard Business School
Occupation	Executive, investor
Title	Chairman and CEO, Mattel

Ynon Kreiz is an Israeli-American media executive and investor known for leading global entertainment and consumer brands. He has held senior roles at technology and media companies and led transformative transactions in digital content, toy manufacturing, and venture capital. Kreiz is noted for strategic shifts at companies spanning Maker Studios, Endemol Shine Group, Mattel, and several venture-backed startups.

Early life and education

Kreiz was born in Tel Aviv and raised in Israel. He studied at Tel Aviv University and later completed executive education at Harvard Business School. Early influences included exposure to Israeli technology ecosystems such as Silicon Wadi and cultural institutions like the Israel Defense Forces unit culture that shapes many Israeli entrepreneurs. His formative years coincided with the rise of companies such as Check Point Software Technologies and Amdocs and events like the First Intifada that impacted Israeli society.

Career

Kreiz began his career in media and technology roles, engaging with firms across United States and Europe. He worked in management positions that brought him into contact with global media conglomerates including News Corporation, Viacom, and Time Warner. Kreiz later became involved with digital entertainment ventures that intersected with platforms such as YouTube, Facebook, and Netflix. His trajectory included leadership in content networks and investments overlapping with entities like Endeavor Group Holdings, WME, and independent studios such as Fremantle.

Leadership at Maker Studios and Mattel

As CEO of Maker Studios, Kreiz oversaw growth during an era when multi-channel networks partnered with platforms such as YouTube, Google, and Amazon Prime Video. Following strategic exits and consolidation in digital media, Kreiz transitioned to roles at Endemol Shine Group and other content companies interacting with broadcasters like NBCUniversal and Disney. In 2018 he became chairman and CEO of Mattel, steering initiatives across flagship franchises including Barbie, Hot Wheels, and licensing partnerships with Disney Consumer Products, Warner Bros., and Universal Pictures. His tenure at Mattel focused on restructuring operations, aligning with global retailers such as Walmart, Target Corporation, and Amazon.com, and engaging with licensors and partners including Hasbro competitors and entertainment studios like Paramount Pictures for IP exploitation and brand extensions.

Board memberships and investments

Kreiz has served on boards and as an investor in startup and established companies across media and technology sectors. His affiliations intersect with venture capital firms and platforms such as Sequoia Capital, Accel Partners, and Benchmark Capital through co-investments in companies competing on platforms like YouTube, Apple TV+, and Spotify. He has been linked to governance roles involving companies in the United States and Europe, engaging with strategic partners including Endeavor, Liberty Media, and private equity firms such as Apollo Global Management and TPG Capital. Kreiz’s investment activity touches digital content producers, toy manufacturers, and technology-enabled services that collaborate with licensors like Hasbro, Nintendo, and Sony Pictures Entertainment.

Awards and recognition

Kreiz’s leadership in media and consumer products has been recognized by industry bodies and publications. He has appeared in rankings and lists compiled by outlets such as Forbes, The Wall Street Journal, and Bloomberg for executive leadership and turnaround management. Trade organizations in entertainment and toy industries, including Toy Association events and media trade shows like Consumer Electronics Show and Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity, have acknowledged his contributions to brand strategy and global distribution.

Category:1965 births Category:Israeli chief executives Category:Mattel people