Glenn Abell | Source: Mattel/The Toy Book

A new leader is taking the helm in the construction category at Mattel.

The iconic toymaker behind Hot Wheels, Barbie, and the Masters of the Universe named Glenn Abell as senior vice president, MEGA, and global head of construction, effective today. Abell joins the company from Moose Toys where he served as president and general manager of the Australian company’s U.S. outpost since February 2019. In his new role, Abell will report to Mattel President and Chief Operating Officer Richard Dickson.

“The construction category presents a meaningful opportunity to further accelerate Mattel’s growth phase,” Dickson says. “MEGA is a powerful asset within our portfolio and Glenn’s deep leadership experience in building sets positions us well to advance our global market share goals. I look forward to working with Glenn and the terrific MEGA team to maximize our potential in this important category.”

Related: Mattel Crowns 2021 Hot Wheels Legends Tour Winner

Prior to joining Moose Toys, Abell spent 16 years with The LEGO Group where he held numerous executive roles, most recently as vice president and head of global e-commerce for LEGO Retail. In that role, he oversaw direct-to-consumer sales via lego.com.

“I have tremendous appreciation for the power of brands and consumers’ relationships with them,” Abell says. “Mattel’s are among the strongest and most respected in the world. I am eager to lead the global growth strategy for MEGA and the construction category while at the same time joining a world-class Mattel team.”

Mattel’s transformation plan has been paying off in recent months as the company reported a 24% sales spike in the first nine months of 2021.

About the author

James Zahn

James Zahn

James Zahn, AKA The Rock Father, is Editor-in-Chief of The Toy Book, a Senior Editor at The Toy Insider and The Pop Insider, and Editor of The Toy Report, The Toy Book‘s weekly industry newsletter. As a pop culture and toy industry expert, Zahn has appeared as a panelist and guest at events including Comic-Con International: San Diego (SDCC) Wizard World Chicago, and the ASTRA Marketplace & Academy. Zahn has more than 30 years of experience in the entertainment, retail, and publishing industries, and is frequently called upon to offer expert commentary for publications such as Forbes, Marketwatch, the Wall Street Journal, the New York Times, USA Today, Reuters, the Washington Post, and more. James has appeared on History Channel’s Modern Marvels, was interviewed by Larry King and Anderson Cooper, and has been seen on Yahoo! Finance, CNN, CNBC, FOX Business, NBC, ABC, CBS, WGN, The CW, and more. Zahn joined the Adventure Media & Events family in 2016, initially serving as a member of the Parent Advisory Board after penning articles for the Netflix Stream Team, Fandango Family, PBS KIDS, Sprout Parents (now Universal Kids), PopSugar, and Chicago Parent. He eventually joined the company full time as a Senior Editor and moved up the ranks to Deputy Editor and Editor-in-Chief.

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