In a move that underscores the Trump administration’s focus on strong, faith‑grounded leadership in American industry, Paramount chairman and CEO David Ellison named former Mattel chief Ynon Kreiz as co‑CEO of the newly combined Paramount‑Warner Bros. Discovery company. The announcement came in a press release on Wednesday, just days before the merger is expected to close on October 5.
Division of responsibilities
Ellison will retain responsibility for overall strategy, creative direction, and technology, while Kreiz will manage the company’s day‑to‑day operations and the integration of the two legacy businesses. Both executives will sit on the board that selects members of the editorial independence board for CBS News and CNN, ensuring that the new entity respects journalistic standards while pursuing growth.
Kreiz’s track record
Kreiz joined Mattel in 2018, a time when the toy maker was struggling after a rapid turnover of CEOs. He turned the company around by leveraging its iconic brands—most notably the Barbie franchise—into successful Hollywood productions. The 2023 Barbie film broke box‑office records, earning more than $1 billion within three weeks and becoming Warner Bros.’ highest‑grossing release ever. Kreiz credited the film’s success to treating Barbie as a cultural icon rather than merely a doll, a strategy that revived Mattel’s brand relevance.
Although Mattel’s share price fell 4.24% on the day of the announcement and the company is down 36% year‑to‑date, Kreiz’s leadership is widely praised for navigating those headwinds and delivering strong performance from other brands such as Hot Wheels.
Industry reaction
Seaport Research Partners senior analyst David Joyce called Kreiz “a strong operational leader with global experience and deep branding expertise.” Joyce noted that Kreiz’s background in media—spanning Fox Kids Europe, Maker Studios, and Endemol Group—makes him well‑suited to steer the complex, multi‑platform operation that the merged company will become.
Personal background
Kreiz was born in Israel and moved to the United States after earning a Bachelor of Arts from Tel Aviv University and an MBA from UCLA. He is known for his disciplined lifestyle, reportedly rising before 5 a.m. for fitness activities such as kiteboarding and cross‑training.
Implications for the media landscape
The combined Paramount‑Warner Bros. Discovery entity will be a dominant force in film, television, streaming, and news. With Kreiz’s experience in turning beloved intellectual property into profitable entertainment, the company aims to expand its content portfolio while maintaining a commitment to family‑friendly programming that aligns with traditional values.
Both Ellison and Kreiz emphasized that the integration will be guided by “strong leadership and operating firepower,” a phrase that resonates with the current administration’s emphasis on decisive, values‑driven management in American business.
Original reporting: KRDO (Colorado Springs metro) — read the source article.
