Brian Goldner (1963–2021), Hasbro CEO

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Brian Goldner was the longtime CEO of the toys and games giant Hasbro, as well as a film producer.

• Died: October 12, 2021 (Who else died on October 12?)
• Details of death: Died at the age of 58.
• We invite you to share condolences for Brian Goldner in our Guest Book.

Bringing Hasbro to the movies

Goldner began working in Hasbro’s Tiger Electronics division in 2000, and by 2008, he had risen to CEO of the company. At the helm of Hasbro, he was notable for working to forge connections between Hasbro and Hollywood, with popular movies based on some of Hasbro’s biggest toys and games. Goldner produced and executive produced a number of those movies, including “Transformers” (2007), “G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra” (2009), “My Little Pony: The Movie” (2017), and “Snake Eyes” (2021). Hasbro’s revenue grew substantially under Goldner’s leadership, and he was named CEO of the Year by MarketWatch in 2008.

Notable quote

“My compass is all about authenticity. I’m the same person in the office as I am outside the office. And of course in this business and in almost any business, an innate curiosity, a willingness to learn new things every day.” —from a 2018 interview for Fortune

Tributes to Brian Goldner

The entire Funko family would like to extend our deepest condolences to our friends at Hasbro. Brian Goldner brought beloved toy brands to life through his leadership and innovation. He will be missed by all.

— Brian Mariotti (@brianmariotti) October 12, 2021

I’m in shock. Brian was a kind visionary who prized the joy in life. A truly good man ❤️https://t.co/5NSFGvtMwz

— Seth Green (@SethGreen) October 13, 2021

Very sad news. I met Mr. Goldner a few times over the years and every time he was very open, engaging and cool to talk to. Deepest condolences to his family and friends: https://t.co/cwMDUpImUO #Hasbro

— Benson Yee (He/Him) (@BWTF_Ben) October 12, 2021

Our thoughts and condolences go out to CEO Brian Goldner's family and the workers at @Hasbro.

Mr. Goldner had great visions for the Transformers brand and brought them to life on the toy shelf and big screen.https://t.co/1BbgIuGPsk pic.twitter.com/CUtUxbcpmD

— BotCon (@BotCon) October 12, 2021

Mattel mourns the loss of Brian Goldner, admired industry leader and respected peer. He will be remembered for his contributions to the toy industry, exceptional talent and unwavering optimism. Our thoughts are with his beloved family and Hasbro team. He will be greatly missed. https://t.co/p7CtsgNhXj

— Mattel Comms (@MattelComms) October 12, 2021

Full obituary: The New York Times