Paramount Names Mattel's Ynon Kreiz Co-CEO Amid Warner Bros Push

Paramount has named Ynon Kreiz, the chief executive of Mattel, as co-chief executive, the Financial Times reported, as the studio works to close a deal to integrate Warner Bros.

The appointment lands at a moment Paramount is trying to combine, in the FT's words, "two of the most storied entertainment studios" under one roof — a reference to Paramount's own film and television library alongside Warner Bros.' catalog. The Financial Times did not publish a start date, compensation figure, or deal valuation in its report.

Who Is Ynon Kreiz?

Kreiz currently runs Mattel, the toy and entertainment company behind brands such as Barbie and Hot Wheels, according to the Financial Times. The FT's report frames his move to Paramount as tied directly to the Warner Bros integration effort rather than a standalone management change.

What Role Will He Take at Paramount?

The Financial Times describes Kreiz's new title as co-chief executive, meaning he will share the top job rather than take sole command. The FT report did not specify who holds the other co-CEO seat or how responsibilities will be divided between film, television, and corporate strategy.

"Two of the most storied entertainment studios" — Financial Times, describing the scale of the Paramount–Warner Bros integration Kreiz has been brought in to help close.

Why Is Paramount Pursuing Warner Bros?

The Financial Times ties the Kreiz hire explicitly to Paramount's push to close a deal involving Warner Bros, though the report as summarized does not detail deal terms, a purchase price, or a timeline for signing. Combining the two studios would bring together legacy film and television libraries that have each operated independently for decades.

What Happens Next in the Deal?

The Financial Times report frames Kreiz's appointment as a step toward closing the Warner Bros deal, suggesting leadership is being locked in ahead of — or alongside — final deal terms. No closing date was included in the available reporting.

What to Watch

• Whether Paramount discloses deal terms or a purchase price for the Warner Bros integration.
• How co-CEO duties are split between Kreiz and Paramount's existing leadership.
• Whether Mattel names a successor or interim chief following Kreiz's departure.
• Any regulatory review tied to combining two major studio libraries.

What We Know So Far

• Ynon Kreiz, currently CEO of Mattel, has been named co-CEO of Paramount, per the Financial Times.
• The move is tied to Paramount's effort to close an integration deal with Warner Bros, according to the same report.
• The Financial Times report, as summarized, does not include a deal price, closing date, or details on Kreiz's Mattel exit.

The Financial Times has the full report, including any additional detail on deal structure, here.