# Mattel's Ynon Kreiz becomes Paramount co-CEO

> The Mattel chairman joins David Ellison to lead the combined Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery after their $110 billion merger.
- Title: Mattel's Ynon Kreiz becomes Paramount co-CEO · The Verge
- Summary: The Mattel chairman joins David Ellison to lead the combined Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery after their $110 billion merger. Ynon Kreiz, Mattel's…
- Keywords: paramount, warner bros discovery, ynon kreiz, david ellison, merger, mattel, streaming, technology, culture, Mattel's, Ynon, Kreiz
- Source: The Verge — https://theverge.com/news/1003037/paramount-david-ellison-co-ceo-ynon-kriez
- Author: Jay Peters
- Published: 2026-09-30T23:08:49+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: paramount, warner bros discovery, ynon kreiz, david ellison, merger, mattel, streaming, technology, culture
## Paramount appoints new co-CEO
Ynon Kreiz, chairman and CEO of Mattel, is joining Paramount as co-CEO to work alongside David Ellison ahead of the company's $110 billion merger with Warner Bros. Discovery.
## Ellison and Kreiz divide responsibilities
David Ellison will focus on long-term strategy, creative vision, talent relationships, partnerships, technology and capital allocation. Ynon Kreiz will handle day-to-day management and integration of the combined businesses.
## Kreiz brings Barbie success to role
Kreiz joined Mattel in 2018 and led the company while it launched the hit Barbie film in partnership with Warner Bros. Pictures. His first day at Paramount is October 5th.
## Judge approves merger settlement
A judge approved Paramount's settlement in a lawsuit with several states that had been blocking the Warner Bros. Discovery merger, clearing a major obstacle to the deal's completion.
## Streaming chief steps down
Paramount's streaming chief Cindy Holland announced she is stepping down. HBO boss Casey Bloys is poised to take over both Paramount Plus and HBO.
## Key takeaway

Ynon Kreiz, Mattel's chairman and CEO, is joining Paramount as co-CEO alongside David Ellison ahead of the company's $110 billion merger with Warner Bros. Discovery closing.