The toy industry is saddened by the sudden loss of Bryan G. Stockton, former chairman and CEO of Mattel, and past chairman of the Toy Association board of directors.
Stockton joined Mattel in 2000 as executive vice president of business planning and development, eventually moving up to CEO (2012-2015) and chairman (2013-2015). Stockton died in a car accent alongside his friend, attorney Peter Devereaux.
“We are saddened by the news of Bryan’s sudden passing,” says Ynon Kreiz, chairman and CEO of Mattel. “The entire Mattel community joins me in sending our deepest condolences to his family. Bryan was a beloved leader at Mattel whose many contributions to the toy industry will live on for years to come.”
Since leaving Mattel in 2015, Stockton explored his love of classic cars, music, and photography, the latter of which took increasing focus in recent years.
“I served many board chairmen during my 45-year career, and Bryan was one of the most highly professional,” says Carter Keithley, former president & CEO of The Toy Association. “He was the very model of a successful MBA in action, and he combined that professionalism with energy, creativity, and grace. He had a lot left to give the world, and we are in a poorer place without him.”
Stockton was also a member of the board of Mattel Children’s Hospital UCLA, served as chairman of World Trade Week Southern California, and served as a member of the President’s Advisory Council at Otis College of Art & Design. He served on the executive and strategic planning committees of UCLA Anderson School Board of Visitors and served on the Board of Directors of the 2015 Special Olympics World Summer Games Los Angeles. Additionally, both Stockton and Devereaux served on the board for the United Cerebral Palsy of Los Angeles, Ventura, and Santa Barbara Counties (UCPLA).
“We are grateful for the many years of their outstanding leadership, friendship, guidance, and wisdom,” says UCPLA President and CEO, Lori Anderson. “Peter and Bryan will be greatly missed by the entire UCPLA family and our larger community. We extend our deepest condolences to their respective families and many friends.”
In June, Stockton gave his final interview as a guest of Richard Gottlieb and Chris Byrne on ‘The Playground’ podcast.
“Bryan was a man possessed of a great soul,” Gottlieb says. “We will all miss him.”
Stockton was 66 and is survived by his wife, Maureen, along with their four children and two grandchildren.
