Mattel boss Ynon Kreiz named co-CEO of Paramount as judge clears Warner Bros merger to proceed

From the Newshound archive · first published 1 October 2026.

Ynon Kreiz is stepping down as Mattel's chief executive to join Paramount Skydance as co-CEO alongside chairman David Ellison, overseeing daily operations of the merged Paramount-Warner Bros. Discovery giant. A US judge gave the green light to the deal this week after an antitrust battle with California's attorney general. Ellison will retain control of strategy and technology while Kreiz manages the complex fusion of the two businesses.

Jeff Shell, originally lined up for the president's role, was dropped after settling a whistleblower lawsuit over leaked confidential information.