Hasbro CEO, Brian Goldner, Has Passed After Prolonged Battle With Cancer

CEO of beloved entertainment company Hasbro Brian Goldner has passed on after battling cancer. Goldner led the company through 12 years of success as Chief Executive Officer and was lauded as a visionary in the space.

Hasbro brought joy to both children and adults alike with its wide range of toys and games. The company has become synonymous with play and entertainment and Goldner made exceptional contributions to this. As of today, Hasbro’s portfolio boasts of over 1,700 brands under its management. My Little Pony, Nerf, MAGIC: The Gathering, Dungeons & Dragons, Power Rangers, Peppa Pig, Monopoly are a few of the entertainment’s giant most prominent brands. Additionally, the company also brought to life the beloved movie series, Transformers.

Goldner’s Battle With Cancer

Goldner had revealed last year that he had been diagnosed with cancer in 2014 and had begun receiving treatment for it. He continued to serve as the CEO and chairman of the board, positions to which he had been appointed in 2008 and 2015 respectively. 

Goldner left a lasting mark across the company as a visionary leader who had expanded the business into various spheres of entertainment. The late CEO had been the driving force behind moving Hasbro from just toys and games towards more profitable ventures like movies and digital gaming.

After helping to bring the first Transformers movie to life in 2007 as an executive producer, Goldner had continued the series after resuming office as CEO in 2008. The movie series went on to be very successful, bring the company over $4.84 billion in revenue.

Goldner’s Death And Hasbro Leadership

Goldner had stepped down as CEO due to health reasons and Rich Stoddart had stepped in as Interim CEO. However, only two days after taking his medical leave, Hasbro announced that Goldner had passed. The CEO had battled cancer for more than six years and had continued to take Hasbro to new heights while doing so. His death dealt a devastating blow to colleagues who had only great things to say.

“Since joining the company more than two decades ago, Brian has been the heart and soul of Hasbro. As a charismatic and passionate leader in both the play and entertainment industries, Brian’s work brought joy and laughter to children and families around the world,” said Stoddart.

Lead Independent Director of Hasbro’s Board of Directors, Edward M. Philip, had this to say;

“Brian’s passing is a tremendous loss for Hasbro and the world. Brian was universally admired and respected in the industry, and throughout his over twenty years at Hasbro, his inspiring leadership and exuberance left an indelible mark on everything and everyone he touched. A mentor and friend to so many, his passion and creativity took Hasbro to new heights. Our love and thoughts are with his wife, daughter, and family during this extraordinarily sad time.”