Mattel has tapped Catherine Wood to steer its global dolls business, putting a longtime entertainment and franchise executive at the helm of Barbie, American Girl, Monster High, Polly Pocket, and more.
Wood joins Mattel as General Manager and Global Head of Dolls, with responsibility for the portfolio’s long-term strategy and business performance. Her remit stretches well beyond the toy aisle, connecting product development and design with marketing, consumer products and experiences, Mattel Studios, digital, commercial operations, and other parts of the company.
“Dolls have a unique ability to bring brands and stories to life through play, imagination, and self-expression,” Wood said. “What drew me to Mattel is the opportunity to bring a franchise perspective to an extraordinary portfolio of brands, each with its own heritage, audience, and potential.”
Wood most recently served as VP Global Brand & Franchise Strategy, Harry Potter, Game of Thrones + Live Action (Film & TV) at Warner Bros. Discovery. Her résumé also includes roles at Disney and Ticketmaster.
At Mattel, Wood will focus on preserving what makes each doll brand distinct while looking for new connections across storytelling, products, experiences, and fandom.
Her arrival adds another entertainment-minded executive to Mattel’s leadership ranks as the company continues to develop its biggest toy brands into broader global franchises under newly named Chairman and CEO Roger Lynch.
