Hasbro Inc announced Tuesday that longtime Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Brian Goldner had passed away, just two days after going on medical leave.
Following his cancer diagnosis in 2014, Goldner revealed in a statement last year that he had been receiving ongoing medical treatment.
Since 2008, Goldner, 58, had been the company's chief executive officer. He joined Hasbro in 2000 and was named chairman of the Hasbro board of directors in 2015. Goldner was also a member of the ViacomCBS board of directors.
When Goldner went on medical leave, Rich Stoddart, who was most recently the lead independent director on Hasbro's board, was named temporary CEO.
"Hasbro announces the passing of beloved leader and longtime Chairman and CEO Brian D. Goldner with deep and genuine sadness," the firm disclosed in a statement Tuesday afternoon.
Hasbro evolved beyond toys and games to include television, movies, digital gaming, and other industries under Goldner's leadership.
Hasbro culminated its strategy in 2019 by taking over Entertainment One Ltd., a British company that makes shows for pres-choolers like Peppa Pig, PJ Masks, and others.
The company's expansion into entertainment was aided by the revolutionary executive, who helped bring Transformers and G.I. Joe to the big screen.
Goldner was always interested in presenting a story about toys, according to Marc Rosenberg, a toy consultant who worked closely with Goldner as a marketing executive at Hasbro 15 years ago. Goldner went to the archives to bring out trademarks like My Little Pony and the Littlest Pet Shop.
Since joining the company more than 20 years ago, Brian has been the "heart and soul of Hasbro," Stoddart said in a statement.
"Brian's work brought joy and laughter to children and families around the world as a charismatic and passionate leader in both the play and entertainment sectors," Stoddart said.
Goldner effectively expanded Hasbro beyond toys and games into television, film, and digital gaming during his tenure. The focus of Goldner's strategy was on leveraging the company's brands throughout entertainment.
Since taking the helm in May 2008, Goldner has helped Hasbro's shares rise from $34.43 per share to $88.05 per share, a gain of more than 155%.
