Mattel Appoints Karen Ancira Executive Vice President and Chief People Officer

May 08, 2024 at 12:15 PM EDT

Mattel, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAT) announced today that Karen Ancira has been appointed Executive Vice President and Chief People Officer for the company, effective May 15, 2024. Ms. Ancira will report to Ynon Kreiz, Chairman and CEO of Mattel.

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Karen Ancira (Photo: Business Wire)

Mr. Kreiz said: “Karen is an exceptional leader with a proven track record of cultivating purpose-driven, values-based Human Resources organizations and programs for major consumer brands globally. We look forward to the impact Karen will make to further inspire and engage our high-performing and collaborative workforce at Mattel.”

Joining Mattel following 11 years with Yum! Brands, Ms. Ancira was most recently Chief People and Culture Officer, KFC, US and previously for KFC in Australia, Latin America, and the Caribbean. She also held senior Human Resources roles for the brand in UK and Ireland. From 2005-2012, Ms. Ancira served in HR leadership positions at PepsiCo in Monterrey, Mexico, creating and overseeing HR programs across Mexico, Latin America, and the Caribbean.

Ms. Ancira brings to Mattel strong expertise in building progressive workplace cultures, fostering organizational development and effectiveness, and spearheading DE&I initiatives. During her tenure at Yum! Brands, Ancira developed a global leadership and character-building program that was implemented across the entire Yum! Brands portfolio. She also led the end-to-end HR agenda for the employee base, led the US organization through a leadership transformation, achieved 100% parity in gender pay for the US, and was instrumental in crafting and launching the business's transformation strategy.

Ms. Ancira added: “Mattel’s iconic portfolio is matched only by its passionate and committed global workforce. I have long admired the values of the company and identify deeply with the purpose behind its brands, and its relevance and importance to society. It is an honor to join this world-class leadership team to lead and enhance Mattel’s thriving culture and develop new People and Culture programs to help everyone succeed in this next exciting chapter for the company.”

Ms. Ancira holds a BA in Economics from the University of Monterrey in Mexico and received an MBA from EAE Business School in Madrid, Spain. She is a member of the Board of Directors of the Latino Leadership Institute. Ms. Ancira will be based at Mattel’s global headquarters in El Segundo, California.

About Mattel

Mattel is a leading global toy and family entertainment company and owner of one of the most iconic brand portfolios in the world. We engage consumers and fans through our franchise brands, including Barbie®, Hot Wheels®, Fisher-Price®, American Girl®, Thomas & Friends™, UNO®, Masters of the Universe®, Matchbox®, Monster High®, MEGA® and Polly Pocket®, as well as other popular properties that we own or license in partnership with global entertainment companies. Our offerings include toys, content, consumer products, digital and live experiences. Our products are sold in collaboration with the world’s leading retail and ecommerce companies. Since its founding in 1945, Mattel is proud to be a trusted partner in empowering generations to explore the wonder of childhood and reach their full potential. Visit us at mattel.com.