Longtime Hasbro Chairman and CEO Brian D. Goldner died Tuesday, just days after stepping down to take medical leave for prostate cancer treatment.
The head of the famous toymaker, 58, had battled cancer before in 2014 and undergone treatment as recently as 2020.
Goldner released a statement just yesterday talking about his decision to resign.
‘After careful consideration, I have decided to take a medical leave to focus on my health,’ Goldner says. ‘I feel confident knowing the company will be in the skilled hands of Rich Stoddart as interim CEO, our highly experienced management team, and the best employees in the business. Hasbro’s future couldn’t be brighter as we continue to ‘Supercharge the Blueprint’ and build the world’s leading play and entertainment company.’
Goldner joined the famous toy company in 2000 and became CEO in 2008. He was appointed Chairman of the Board of the company by 2015. The company credits him with taking them global and expanding their brand beyond toys into television, movies and digital gaming.
One of the biggest expansions of the Hasbro brand under Goldner includes turning Transformers into one of modern cinema’s biggest franchises, as well as G.I. Joe and Power Rangers.
Hasbro also acquired entertainment studio eOne in 2019 under Goldner’s watch.
Longtime Hasbro Chairman and CEO Brian D. Goldner (pictured left) died Tuesday, just one day after stepping down to take medical leave for prostate cancer treatment
The head of the famous toymaker, 58, had battled cancer before in 2014 and undergone treatment as recently as 2020
Mr. Goldner served on the Board of Directors of ViacomCBS and was the Chair of the Compensation Committee.
Interim CEO Stoddart, who has been with company since 2020, reflected on the loss of his former boss in a statement released Thursday.
‘Since joining the Company more than two decades ago, Brian has been the heart and soul of Hasbro,’ Stoddart said. ‘As a charismatic and passionate leader in both the play 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 beloved by the Hasbro community and everyone he touched.
‘On behalf of the Hasbro family, we extend our deepest, heartfelt condolences to his wife, daughter, and entire family.’
Goldner was also remembered by Edward M. Philip, lead independent director of the company’s board.
‘Brian’s passing is a tremendous loss for Hasbro and the world. Brian was universally admired and respected in the industry, and throughout his over twenty years at Hasbro, his inspiring leadership and exuberance left an indelible mark on everything and everyone he touched. A mentor and friend to so many, his passion and creativity took Hasbro to new heights.’
Goldner is survived by his wife Barbara, a social worker
Goldner’s daughter, Brooke, an actress, who ironically worked on the My Little Pony cartoon series, an adaptation of a Hasbro toy
‘Our love and thoughts are with his wife, daughter, and family during this extraordinarily sad time.’
Goldner is survived by his wife Barbara, a social worker, and his daughter Brooke, an actress, who ironically worked on the My Little Pony cartoon series, an adaptation of a Hasbro toy. The company said that the Goldners were ‘passionate advocates for improving systems of care for vulnerable members of society.’
Hasbro is based in Rhode Island and Goldner received tributes from both the governor and secretary of state Tuesday.
‘Brian Goldner was a bold thinker, an innovator, a remarkable CEO and someone who always stepped up for our community,’ wrote Governor Dan McKee. ‘He will be deeply missed by all.’
‘Sad day in our state,’ wrote Rhode Island Secretary of State Nellie Gorbea. ‘Brian Goldner gave so many of us happy times of fun and games.’
Hasbro is based in Rhode Island and Goldner received tributes from both the governor and secretary of state Tuesday
‘Sad day in our state,’ wrote Rhode Island Secretary of State Nellie Gorbea. ‘Brian Goldner gave so many of us happy times of fun and games’