Hasbro Names Chris Cocks as CEO

Hasbro has appointed Chris Cocks, currently president and COO of the Wizards of the Coast and Digital Gaming division, as CEO and member of the board of directors.

Cocks said: “Hasbro has amazing brands, gifted storytellers and unique entertainment assets, and I am humbled to step into the position of CEO at this important time and to build on the strong foundation Brian [Goldner] created. Our consumer products, gaming and entertainment teams are the best and most creative in the business and have shown such incredible resilience. I look forward to working with our highly-experienced senior management team as we continue to reimagine play and entertainment and deliver experiences to families and fans, of all ages, around the world.”

The appointment is effective February 25. Cocks will succeed Interim CEO Rich Stoddart, who was appointed following the October passing of Hasbro’s longtime CEO Brian Goldner. Stoddart, who has served as a Hasbro independent director since 2014, will become chair of the board, effective February 25.

Meanwhile, Eric Nyman is to become Hasbro’s president and COO, also effective February 25. In this new role, Nyman will oversee global business, operational and foundational platform investments; continue to lead Hasbro’s overall consumer licensing strategy and strategic partnerships; and oversee Hasbro’s global supply chain, directing the strategy for a next-generation consumer-direct distribution platform. Nyman, who joined Hasbro in 2003, currently serves as chief consumer officer and COO of Hasbro Consumer Products.

Tracy Leinbach, current chair of the board, said: “Chris’s appointment marks the culmination of an extensive and thoughtful candidate review and selection process led by the board. In Chris, we have chosen a leader uniquely positioned to execute and evolve Hasbro’s Brand Blueprint strategy while continuing to generate growth and deliver strong shareholder returns. Chris’s extensive omnichannel experience and proven track record make him the ideal leader for Hasbro as it continues to become the world’s leading play and entertainment company. On behalf of the Board, we thank Rich for serving as interim CEO during a difficult time for the Hasbro family and are delighted he will serve as chair of our board.”

Stoddart said: “Having known Chris for years and working more closely with him these last several months, I have no doubt that he will be an extraordinary leader for the next phase of Hasbro’s journey. A storyteller and gamer at heart, Chris innately understands how to create and nurture brands to drive fan and consumer connection across channels. He is a highly strategic leader, with the vision, skills and experience to unlock our Brand Blueprint for supercharged growth.”

Stoddart continued: “Eric has been a valued member of the Hasbro team for more than 18 years, inspiring our people and driving consumer-focused innovation across our iconic brand portfolio. The company will benefit from his vast knowledge, creativity and leadership as he takes on this new, expanded role on our senior management team.”