The Cannes ad festival has named Ynon Kreiz, Mattel chairman and chief executive officer, as Entertainment Person of the Year.   

The festival credits him with leading a multi-year transformation strategy that established Mattel as an “IP-driven, high-performing toy company.” 

Under his leadership, Mattel Films has announced 16 motion pictures in active development with major studio partners. Its first movie, “Barbie,” became a cultural phenomenon, achieving the largest global box-office in 2023 and the industry’s 14th-highest grossing movie of all time.  

The movie was nominated for eight Academy Awards including Best Picture and received the Oscar for Best Original Song. 
 
The company also has a growing entertainment offering in television, consumer products, digital games, live events and experiences, publishing, and music. Per Circana, in 2023 Mattel was the #1 toy company in the U.S. for the 30th consecutive year, achieving its largest annual share gain in the U.S. on record. 

Simon Cook, CEO, LIONS, said, "By unlocking the potential of its core assets and IP, Mattel has strengthened the company’s relevance and appeal of its iconic global portfolio. Through Barbie particularly, Ynon has opened the aperture of the brand, broadening its cultural resonance and commercial success.”