Mattel Appoints Global Head of Digital Gaming

Mattel has tapped Scopely alum Mike DeLaet as global head of digital gaming, effective July 25.

In his new role, DeLaet will be responsible for accelerating Mattel’s digital gaming product offering across all major gaming platforms. He will also oversee the company’s joint venture partnership with NetEase, Mattel163.

DeLaet joins from Scopely, where he was senior VP of strategic partnerships, responsible for business development, IP licensing and platform distribution partnerships. He oversaw and developed relationships with licensing partners such as Disney and Warner Bros., as well as platform distribution partners such as Apple, Google, Sony PlayStation and Microsoft Xbox.

Prior to his time at Scopely, DeLaet founded Rogue Games. His prior roles also include serving as senior VP of worldwide business development and licensing at Kabam and senior VP of global publishing at Glu Mobile. Before that, he managed the games division at Sprint.

“Mike is one of the foremost leaders in digital gaming, with deep expertise across all facets of the business,” said Richard Dickson, president and chief operating officer at Mattel, to whom DeLaet will report. “Digital experiences like gaming present a significant additional lever for engagement with our brands. As we ramp up our offerings through licensing partnerships, game tie-ins and stand-alone releases, we are also looking to expand our own games across PC, console, mobile and web-based platforms. We eagerly look forward to bringing Mike’s leadership to bear in this growing vertical for Mattel.”

“I am inspired by Mattel’s vast opportunity in digital gaming to expand on the high levels of engagement with its world-class brands,” added DeLaet. “I believe Mattel has only scratched the surface of its incredible potential in gaming and am thrilled to lead its next chapter of growth in the space.”