Brian D. Goldner | Source: Hasbro/The Toy Book

Hasbro, Inc. Chairman and CEO Brian D. Goldner is taking a medical leave of absence, effective immediately with Rich Stoddart appointed interim CEO.

The news follows last year’s disclosure that Goldner had been undergoing continued medical care following treatment for cancer in 2014.

“After careful consideration, I have decided to take a medical leave to focus on my health,” Goldner says. “I feel confident knowing the company will be in the skilled hands of Rich Stoddart as interim CEO, our highly experienced management team, and the best employees in the business. Hasbro’s future couldn’t be brighter as we continue to ‘Supercharge the Blueprint’ and build the world’s leading play and entertainment company.”

Stoddart is hailed as an expert in brand-building, advertising and marketing, and supply chain management due to his time as CEO at InnerWorkings Inc. and Leo Burnette Worldwide. He joined the Hasbro board of directors in 2014 and most recently served as its lead independent director.

Related: Streaming Into Sales: How Streaming Services Impact the Toy Industry

“I am humbled to step in as interim CEO and lead the company as it continues to execute the ‘Brand Blueprint’ strategy, while Brian takes time to focus on his health,” Stoddart says. “Hasbro has the most creative teams across the consumer products, digital gaming, and entertainment businesses, and there’s no limit to what we can accomplish together.”

As Stoddart assumes his new role, Edward M. Philip has been re-appointed as lead independent director, and Tracy A. Leinbach has been named chair of the Nominating, Governance, and Social Responsibility Committee of the Hasbro board of directors.

Goldner joined Hasbro in 2000.

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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