Mattel is consolidating its girls and boys/entertainment business units into one divison renamed Mattel Brands. The new global group includes the Barbie and Hot Wheels mega brands. Chairman/CEO of Mattel Robert Eckert said the move to reduce redundancies was consistent with "our 'one Mattel' approach to doing business," he said. Former boys/entertainment division president Matt Bousquette is promoted to president of Mattel Brands, with the elimination of approximately 5% of the executive level positions, with Adrienne Fontanella exiting as president of the girls division. Pleasant Company will be separated from the girls division with Ellen Brother, EVP of Mattel and president of Pleasant, joining Mattel's senior management team. The infant and preschool division remains intact, and will continue under the leadership of Neil Friedman, president of Fisher-Price brands. Bryan Stockton will be promoted from EVP of business planning and development to EVP of international, assuming part of Bousquette's previous responsibility and will report to Eckert. Stockton's old job will be eliminated with responsibilities divided between Mattel Brands and CFO Kevin Farr's organization. Mattel (www.mattel.com) will soon be releasing a Hot Wheels video series it commissioned with Mainframe Entertainment and Starlight Runner.
