• Former ViacomCBS Media Networks General Counsel brings extensive media industry and global brand expertise to Mattel

EL SEGUNDO, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Dec. 8, 2020– Mattel, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAT) today announced the appointment of Jonathan Anschell as Executive Vice President, Chief Legal Officer, and Secretary, effective Jan. 1, 2021. Anschell will report to Ynon Kreiz, Mattel’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. He will succeed Robert Normile, who will continue in his current role through Dec. 31, 2020, and then remain with Mattel as an executive advisor through a date in April to be determined by the Company to ensure a smooth transition.

“Jonathan is a highly accomplished legal executive, with a strong commercial background and deep expertise in managing global, consumer-facing brands,” said Kreiz. “His leadership skills and strong transactional experience at the highest levels of the media and entertainment industry will further strengthen our capabilities as we transform Mattel into an IP-driven, high-performing toy company. I look forward to Jonathan joining the executive leadership team as we build on the momentum already well underway at Mattel and create value for our shareholders.”

Anschell brings extensive legal, corporate governance and media and entertainment industry expertise to Mattel. He joins the Company from ViacomCBS Media Networks, where he served as Executive Vice President and General Counsel since 2019, leading the legal affairs team for all CBS entertainment and news operations, as well as the business and legal affairs teams for the ViacomCBS cable networks in the U.S. and internationally. Anschell previously served as General Counsel of CBS Television and Deputy General Counsel and Secretary of CBS Corporation. Before joining CBS in 2004, he was a partner at White O’Connor Curry, a Los Angeles-based law firm.

In his role as EVP, Chief Legal Officer, and Secretary, Anschell will be in charge of all legal responsibilities for the Company’s operations and transactions, as well as corporate governance, securities, intellectual property, litigation and privacy. He will also be responsible for compliance and government affairs at the Company.

“I am proud to join Mattel at such an exciting and important time in its transformation,” said Anschell. “Mattel is an innovative company and home to iconic brands with enduring value. I look forward to working with the leadership team on this next stage of growth.”

Kreiz added, “I greatly appreciate the role Bob Normile has played at Mattel and thank him for his many years of excellent work. He has been an important part of Mattel for nearly three decades, making countless contributions to the Company’s success. He built a world-class in-house legal team and was a key part of numerous acquisitions and joint ventures. He has been a great partner during the recent transformational period for our company and helped us achieve significant progress in our turnaround. We are grateful for his leadership during his time at Mattel and appreciate his continued service as an executive advisor to provide a seamless transition with Jonathan over the next several months.”

About Mattel

Mattel is a leading global toy company and owner of one of the strongest catalogs of children’s and family entertainment franchises in the world. We create innovative products and experiences that inspire, entertain and develop children through play. We engage consumers through our portfolio of iconic brands, including Barbie®, Hot Wheels®, Fisher-Price®, American Girl®, Thomas & Friends®, UNO® and MEGA®, as well as other popular intellectual properties that we own or license in partnership with global entertainment companies. Our offerings include film and television content, gaming, music and live events. We operate in 35 locations and our products are available in more than 150 countries in collaboration with the world’s leading retail and e-commerce companies. Since its founding in 1945, Mattel is proud to be a trusted partner in empowering children to explore the wonder of childhood and reach their full potential.