Mattel Hires Disney Alum for Franchises, Consumer Products

Mattel has tapped Josh Silverman to serve as global head of consumer products and chief franchise officer, joining the company in September following more than a decade at The Walt Disney Company.

In his role at Mattel, Silverman will oversee global consumer products licensing, franchise management and retail development, as well as publishing, live experiences and location-based entertainment.

In his most recent role at The Walt Disney Company, Silverman served as executive VP of global third-party commercialization, leading Disney’s consumer product licensing business, third-party retail and flexible business models. Prior to that, Silverman was executive VP of global franchise licensing for Disney Consumer Products. He previously worked at Marvel Entertainment.

“Josh is an exceptional and talented leader and widely regarded as one of the most accomplished executives in consumer products,” said Richard Dickson, Mattel’s president and COO, to whom Silverman will report. “His experience at Disney overseeing the world’s largest entertainment-related consumer products business will be invaluable as we start the next chapter of our growth strategy at Mattel. There is incredible potential to be unlocked in our treasure trove of IP under his leadership and across our portfolio of iconic brands.”

“I have long admired Mattel’s brands, mission, and purpose, both as an entertainment company partner and as a father and fan,” added Silverman. “Given the strength of its portfolio, I believe there is tremendous commercial opportunity ahead for Mattel. I am thrilled to join this world-class leadership team at such an exciting time in Mattel’s growth as an IP-driven, high-performing toy company.”