On the cusp of its 30th anniversary next year, Jazwares is entering a new chapter.
Founder and CEO Judd Zebersky and President Laura Zebersky will depart the company effective March 20, 2026, at which time David Neustein, Chief Operating Officer, will assume the role of CEO.
Jazwares staffers were informed of the transition via an email from Judd Zebersky at the close of business today.
“Our gratitude goes out to the entire team, the Jazmanians, for their passion, collaboration, and humility, which are the heart and soul of the company,” the Zeberskys told The Toy Book in a statement. “We also thank all our long-term partners, licensors, retailers, vendors, and factories, whose trust and consistency have helped us scale, diversify, and deliver experiences that touch the lives of millions. Finally, we thank Berkshire Hathaway, whose stewardship, trust, and shared principles have strengthened the company’s future.”
According to the Zeberskys, their planned exit comes as “the company’s foundation is stronger than ever.”
“We are incredibly proud of what the team has built, including turning Jazwares into a global leader in the toy industry and building Squishmallows into a cultural phenomenon,” Judd Zebersky says.
Founded by Judd in 1997, Jazwares’ growth accelerated after Laura joined the company in 2005 following a 13-year career as a trial attorney. Starting her career in the toy industry on the licensing side of the business, Laura’s path to becoming President and Chief Commercial Officer included forging licensing partnerships with numerous companies. Those relationships ultimately resulted in deals to create products inspired by popular franchises such as Pokémon, Star Wars, AEW, Marvel, CoComelon, Fortnite, and, more recently, Stranger Things, Five Nights at Freddy’s, Monster Jam, Miraculous, Spiralcute, FIFA, and KPop Demon Hunters.
In 2014, a clear journey to the present began as Alleghany Capital Corp. took a stake in Jazwares, followed by strategic acquisitions along the way, including Kelly Toy and Wicked Cool Toys, which extended Jazwares’ reach into new categories.
Four years ago, the Alleghany portfolio joined Berkshire Hathaway, the legendary holding company led by Chairman and CEO Warren E. Buffett. “Being part of the Berkshire family has been one of the greatest privileges of our careers,” the Zeberskys share.
Looking ahead, Jazwares will exhibit at Toy Fair New York next month, sharing new products with the global toy industry in Booth No. 1803. Toy Fair will take place at the Javits Center from February 14 to 17, 2026.
