By Gary Symons
TLL Editor in Chief
Big news in the toy industry as the founders of Jazwares, Judd and Laura Zebersky, announched they are stepping down from their leadership roles.
Judd Zebersky is the founder and CEO at Jazwares, while wife Laura is the company’s president. After nearly three decades building Jazwares into a top-tier global toy company, the couple will step down after their last day on March 20.
David Neustein, Chief Operating Officer and a key leader for the past 15 years, will be assuming the role of CEO.
“This planned departure comes as the company’s foundation is stronger than ever,” said Judd Zebersky. “We are incredibly proud of what the team has built, including turning Jazwares into a global leader in the toy industry and building Squishmallows into a culturally meaningful brand.
“We have complete confidence in David’s leadership and vision as Jazwares enters its next chapter,” Zebersky added.
Judd and Laura Zebersky also thanked the Jazwares team and the various partners they’ve worked with over the years in a joint written statement.
“Our gratitude goes out to the entire team, the Jazmanians, for their passion, collaboration, and humility, which are the heart and soul of the company,” they said.
“We also thank all our long-term partners—licensors, retailers, vendors, and factories, whose trust and consistency have helped us scale, diversify, and deliver experiences that touch the lives of millions. Finally, we thank Berkshire Hathaway, whose stewardship, trust, and shared principles have strengthened the company’s future. Being part of the Berkshire family has been one of the greatest privileges of our careers.”
Jazwares management thanked the Zeberskys for their vision and hard work, which not only built one of the world’s top toy companies, but also made Squishmallows one of the world’s top toy brands.
“We are incredibly grateful for Judd and Laura’s vision, leadership, and the foundation that they built,” the company said.
Jazwares was founded in 1997 in Sunrise, Florida, by Judd Zebersky, a former lawyer who left his legal career to start a toy company.
After spending months learning about toy manufacturing in China, the company launched its first product, Big Sippers novelty cups, in 1998.
Jazwares later built its business around licensing entertainment properties, expanding into video games and digital creators. Laura Zebersky left her law practice to join the company in 2005, and is credited with helping accelerate the growth of Jazwares.
The company has secured major licenses over the years, including Sonic the Hedgehog, Minecraft, Fortnite and Halo, and has partnered with companies such as Hasbro, Epic Games and Mojang Studios. In 2019, Jazwares acquired Wicked Cool Toys and partnered with children’s entertainer Blippi.
It expanded further in 2020 with the critical acquisition of Kellytoy, the creator of Squishmallows, which Jazwares quickly turned into a global phenomenon.
Jazwares added a costume division in 2021 and expanded its retail reach through partnerships with major chains. Alleghany Corporation made equity investments beginning in 2014 and took a majority stake in 2016. Berkshire Hathaway acquired Alleghany in 2022, making Jazwares part of its portfolio, and providing financial boost for even more accelerated growth.
In 2023, Jazwares moved its headquarters to Plantation, Florida, and continues to work on new licensing partnerships, including a recent deal with McDonald’s to produce Squishmallows toys for Happy Meals.
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