By Allison Watkinson
TLL Reporter
Mattel has appointed the global economist and bestselling author Professor Noreena Hertz to the company’s Board of Directors.
Hertz will also serve on Mattel’s Governance and Social Responsibility Committee.
Hertz brings 25 years of experience advising companies and governments on policy decisions, mergers and acquisitions, intelligence analysis, community-building, ESG matters (Environmental, Social and Governance), and more. She has held several senior academic positions and led research initiatives on artificial intelligence, decision-making, risk management, globalization, and numerous other subjects.
“Noreena is a highly influential economist and a global thought leader on ESG,” said Mattel CEO, Ynon Kreiz. “We look forward to the benefit of her expert insights and perspectives as we continue to execute our strategy to grow Mattel’s IP-driven toy business and expand our entertainment offering, operate as a responsible corporate citizen, and create long-term shareholder value.”
Mattel is a global toy and family entertainment company that specializes in creating media content, digital experiences, live events, and consumer products based on owned and licensed IPs.
“Mattel is a company rooted in mission and purpose, with a leading portfolio of iconic brands, and a clear strategic vision for its future,” said Hertz. “I look forward to working with Ynon and the rest of the Board to guide Mattel on its continued journey and its aim to contribute to a more diverse, equitable, inclusive, and sustainable future.”
Professor Hertz is based at University College London’s Institute for Global Prosperity, where she has served as a visiting professor since 2016 and as an honorary professor since 2013.
She was previously Professor of Globalization, Sustainability, and Finance at the University of Amsterdam between 2009 and 2013 and spent the prior 10 years as Associate Director of the Centre for International Business and Management at the University of Cambridge.
Hertz is also a board member of the Warner Music Group, where she serves on the Audit Committee and Nominating and Governance Committee. She has also served in several board and advisory roles for organizations such as RWE AG, the Inclusive Capitalism Taskforce, Edelman Europe, Inspiring Girls International, Citigroup’s Politics, Workhuman, and the Economics Global Advisory Board.
In addition, Professor Hertz is the author of several books that cover globalization, ESG, strategic decision-making and macro-societal trends.
Professor Hertz holds a PhD from the University of Cambridge and an MBA from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.