# Ynon Kreiz

> Ynon Kreiz is co-CEO of Skydance, overseeing daily operations and integration following the combination of Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery in October 2026. Previously Mattel’s chairman and CEO, he combined restructuring with a push to develop its brands into entertainment, including the 2023 Barbie film. His earlier career included Fox Kids Europe, Balderton Capital, Endemol and Maker Studios.

- **Role:** Co-Chief Executive Officer at Skydance Corporation
- **Organizations:** Skydance Corporation, Mattel, Inc., Maker Studios, Endemol Group, Balderton Capital (formerly Benchmark Capital Europe), Fox Kids Europe, Warner Music Group, UCLA Anderson School of Management
- **From:** Tel Aviv, Israel
- **Nationality:** Israeli, British and American
- **Education:** BA in Economics and Management, Tel Aviv University, MBA, UCLA Anderson School of Management
- **Known for:** Co-founded and led Fox Kids Europe, which listed in Amsterdam in 1999., Led Maker Studios at the time of its 2014 acquisition by Disney., Led Mattel during its restructuring and expansion into filmed entertainment.

## Career timeline

- **1996** — Moved to London to launch Fox Kids Europe, which he co-founded.
- **1997–2002** — Chairman and CEO of Fox Kids Europe; the company listed in Amsterdam in 1999.
- **2005–2007** — General partner at Benchmark Capital Europe, later Balderton Capital.
- **2008–2011** — Chairman and CEO of Endemol Group.
- **2012** — Invested in Maker Studios and became chairman.
- **2013** — Became CEO of Maker Studios.
- **2014** — Disney agreed to acquire Maker Studios for $500 million plus up to $450 million in performance payments.
- **2018** — Became Mattel CEO on April 26 and chairman in May.
- **2023** — Executive producer of Barbie, the year's highest-grossing film worldwide.
- **2024** — TIME100 honoree and Cannes Lions Entertainment Person of the Year.
- **2026** — Left Mattel October 2, joined Paramount October 5 and became co-CEO of the combined Skydance business at closing.

## Achievements

- Co-founded and led Fox Kids Europe, which listed in Amsterdam in 1999.
- Led Maker Studios at the time of its 2014 acquisition by Disney.
- Led Mattel during its restructuring and expansion into filmed entertainment.
- Served as an executive producer of Barbie, nominated for eight Academy Awards.
- Named to TIME100 and Cannes Lions Entertainment Person of the Year in 2024.

## Latest updates

- **2026-10** — Mattel departure effective October 2; Roger Lynch named successor.
- **2026-10** — Joined Paramount October 5, with co-CEO and board responsibilities at the combined Skydance company upon closing.
- **2026-10** — Co-signed an October 6 employee message with David Ellison setting priorities for the combined Skydance business.
- **2026-01** — Citi published a Legends Live conversation about Mattel's entertainment strategy, including Hot Wheels and Magic 8 Ball projects.

## Links

- Website: https://www.skydance.com/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ynonkreiz

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Profile page: https://yespress.io/ynon-kreiz
Published by YesPress — https://yespress.io
Last updated: 2026-10-21