Hasbro will move its long‑time headquarters out of Pawtucket, Rhode Island, and into Boston, Massachusetts, by the end of 2026. CEO Chris Cocks told WBUR’s Breakfast Club that the decision was driven by the need for a broader talent pool, easier access to partners, and a more vibrant local dining scene.
Why Boston?
Cocks, a Harvard graduate, said the move is not about personal nostalgia for Boston but about business fundamentals. “We need as big and as wide a talent pool as we can possibly find, and we need to be accessible,” he said. He added that Boston’s larger concentration of college‑educated creative professionals – roughly eight times the size of Rhode Island’s demographic – offers the company a stronger pipeline for innovation.
Employee considerations
Hasbro has filed official notice with the Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training indicating that 580 jobs will leave the state. The company emphasized that the notice was mischaracterized as a layoff. Instead, Hasbro is providing commuter benefits, pay differentials, generous transition time, and relocation assistance for employees living more than 40 miles from the new office.
Employees will be required to work in the office three days a week, with the remaining days available for remote work. Cocks acknowledged that the commute will change for many Rhode Island workers, shifting from a 30‑35 minute car drive to a 45‑60 minute train ride. He noted that the new Boston location is conveniently near South Station and that the company will subsidize rail passes for nearly all staff.
Quality of life factors
Beyond logistics, Cocks highlighted lifestyle improvements. In Pawtucket, he said, “when you order Uber Eats your food ends up kind of being cold because it traveled for about 40 minutes.” Boston’s dense restaurant scene, he argued, offers employees a dozen nearby places to eat and socialize after work, enhancing work‑life balance.
He also pointed out that being in Boston makes it easier to meet with other companies. “When you’re on the highway for an hour and a half to two hours to get from downtown Providence to Logan Airport, that can be the difference between a retailer like Walmart wanting to meet with you or not,” Cocks explained.
Tax incentives and future outlook
Hasbro received modest tax incentives from Massachusetts, but Cocks stressed that these were not the primary driver of the move. The company’s focus remains on accessing a larger market of creative talent and improving partner connectivity.
When asked how many employees will relocate, Cocks did not provide a specific number, noting that the situation is still in flux. He did say that retention and attrition rates have improved this year, suggesting that many staff members are considering the move.
Impact on Pawtucket
The departure of Hasbro, a historic employer in Pawtucket for a century, will be felt locally. City officials have said they were not consulted before the decision was announced. The move underscores broader trends of companies seeking larger metropolitan markets for talent and infrastructure.
Original reporting: NBC 10 WJAR (Sinclair) – local — read the source article.
