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Ynon Kreiz: Skydance’s Energized Co‑CEO

Ynon Kreiz, the former Mattel chief, has taken the helm as co‑CEO of Skydance, bringing a $6 billion cost‑cutting mandate and a mandate to calm investors. The 61‑year‑old led the company’s opening‑bell ceremony at the New York Stock Exchange, striking the bell with a mallet in a dramatic display that underscored his energetic style. Kreiz’s career began as a kite‑surfer and toy‑industry executive; at Mattel he built an in‑house entertainment division and championed the Barbie film, which grossed over $1.4 billion worldwide and boosted toy sales. He has now shifted Skydance’s focus from its legacy assets to Hollywood franchises, hiring independent producers and pairing directors with toy brands. Kreiz’s leadership is described as forceful yet creative‑friendly, a balance he used to green‑light the Barbie movie’s bold choices. Skydance plans to use its new leadership to pursue further film and television projects while tightening costs across the business. The company’s next steps include executing the cost‑cutting plan and expanding its entertainment slate under Kreiz’s direction.

· The Hollywood Reporter

The essential points

  1. 01Ynon Kreiz named Skydance co‑CEO, tasked with a $6 billion cost‑cutting plan
  2. 02He opened the NYSE floor with a dramatic bell‑ringing ceremony that showcased his energy
  3. 03Kreiz’s tenure at Mattel built an in‑house entertainment division and championed the hit Barbie film
  4. 04Under his guidance Skydance is pivoting to Hollywood franchises and new film projects
The full brief

Ynon Kreiz, the former Mattel chief, has taken the helm as co‑CEO of Skydance, bringing a $6 billion cost‑cutting mandate and a mandate to calm investors. The 61‑year‑old led the company’s opening‑bell ceremony at the New York Stock Exchange, striking the bell with a mallet in a dramatic display that underscored his energetic style. Kreiz’s career began as a kite‑surfer and toy‑industry executive; at Mattel he built an in‑house entertainment division and championed the Barbie film, which grossed over $1.

4 billion worldwide and boosted toy sales. He has now shifted Skydance’s focus from its legacy assets to Hollywood franchises, hiring independent producers and pairing directors with toy brands. Kreiz’s leadership is described as forceful yet creative‑friendly, a balance he used to green‑light the Barbie movie’s bold choices.

Skydance plans to use its new leadership to pursue further film and television projects while tightening costs across the business. The company’s next steps include executing the cost‑cutting plan and expanding its entertainment slate under Kreiz’s direction.