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Ynon Kreiz

Operator

Ynon Kreiz is the Co-CEO of Skydance. Effective October 5, 2026, he oversees day-to-day operations and integration alongside Chairman and CEO David Ellison. Kreiz previously served as Chairman and CEO of Mattel from 2018, leading its transformation from a struggling toy manufacturer into an IP-driven entertainment company, before Roger Lynch succeeded him. That strategy produced the 2023 Barbie film, made with Warner Bros., which grossed over $1.4 billion worldwide and became a landmark in brand-led entertainment and marketing. Earlier he was CEO of Maker Studios, the YouTube multi-channel network acquired by Disney for approximately $500 million, and CEO of Endemol, producer of global formats including Big Brother.

Last updated Oct 21, 2026 by the ATDb Editorial Team · Connections updated Oct 23, 2026

In the news
Role
Co-CEO
Company
Skydance
Based
El Segundo, California, United States
Boards
2
Connections
6

AI-drafted from public sources10 sources cited

Years in industry
25 years

Bio

Ynon Kreiz is the Co-CEO of Skydance. Effective October 5, 2026, he oversees day-to-day operations and integration alongside Chairman and CEO David Ellison. Kreiz previously served as Chairman and CEO of Mattel from 2018, leading its transformation from a struggling toy manufacturer into an IP-driven entertainment company, before Roger Lynch succeeded him. That strategy produced the 2023 Barbie film, made with Warner Bros., which grossed over $1.4 billion worldwide and became a landmark in brand-led entertainment and marketing. Earlier he was CEO of Maker Studios, the YouTube multi-channel network acquired by Disney for approximately $500 million, and CEO of Endemol, producer of global formats including Big Brother.

Career

  • Co-CEOCurrent

    Skydance · Since 2026

  • Chairman and CEO

    Mattel · 2018–2026

Roles with a cited source. All linked roles are in the Roles tab.

Expertise & education

Expertise

Brand EntertainmentIP Licensing and ManagementMedia and Entertainment StrategyDigital Video and Multi-Channel NetworksTelevision ProductionConsumer Brand TransformationContent MarketingCorporate Turnaround

Education

  • BA, Tel Aviv University
  • MBA, INSEAD

Speaking topics

Brand IP and Entertainment StrategyToy Industry TransformationContent as a Marketing VehicleCorporate Turnaround and LeadershipDigital Media and the Creator Economy

Recognition

Notable achievements

  • Led the Barbie (2023) film to over $1.4 billion in global box office revenue, one of the highest-grossing films of all time
  • Transformed Mattel's strategy from toy manufacturer to entertainment IP company
  • Oversaw the sale of Maker Studios to Disney for approximately $500 million
  • Led Endemol as one of the world's largest independent TV production companies, distributing formats in over 70 countries
  • Returned Mattel to profitability and revenue growth after years of decline

Awards

Time100 Most Influential Companies (Mattel, 2023)Variety Entertainment Marketing Summit honoree
Connection details