Hasbro CEO Brian Goldner is Taking an Immediate Medical Leave

Toy and entertainment company Hasbro revealed over the weekend that its CEO Brian D. Goldner would be taking a medical leave, effective immediately.

The company has appointed Rich Stoddart as interim CEO who will begin duties right away. Stoddard is the lead independent director of Hasbro’s board.

It was in August of 2020 that Goldner had disclosed he was undergoing continued medical treatment for cancer since 2014. He has been CEO of Hasbro since 2008 and has served as chairman since 2015.

The company has said that Stoddart brings extensive leadership experience and expertise in global brand-building, advertising and marketing, and supply chain management. He has been on Hasbro’s board since 2014.

The company board has also reappointed Edward M. Philip as lead independent director, and Tracy A. Leinbach as chair of the nominating, governance and social responsibility committee of the board.

Philip has more than 30 years of business and management experience while Leinbach served as the executive vice president and chief financial officer for Ryder System, a global logistics and transportation and supply chain solutions provider.

“Brian has been an inspiring and visionary leader who has set Hasbro on an incredible path towards the future. All of us at Hasbro are thinking of him while he focuses on his health,” stated Philip.

Goldner is “undergoing continued medical care” according to the company’s press release.

“I feel confident knowing the company will be in the skilled hands of Rich Stoddart as interim CEO, our highly experienced management team and the best employees in the business,” Goldner said and added that the future “couldn’t be brighter.”

Disclaimer: We have no position in any of the companies mentioned and have not been compensated for this article.