Mattel has named Karen Ancira its new Executive Vice President and Chief People Officer, effective May 15.
Ancira plans to embrace her history of developing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives in her new role. “It is an honor to join this world-class leadership team to lead and enhance Mattel’s thriving culture and develop new People and Culture programs to help everyone succeed in this next exciting chapter for the company,” she says. Ancira will report directly to Ynon Kreiz, Chairman and CEO of Mattel.
Karen is an exceptional leader with a proven track record of cultivating purpose-driven, values-based Human Resources organizations and programs for major consumer brands globally.
Prior to joining Mattel, Ancira worked with Yum! Brands for 11 years, most recently as Chief People and Culture Officer for KFC, U.S. She worked the same roles for KFC in Australia, Latin America, and the Caribbean. Ancira additionally held senior Human Resources roles for the brand in the UK and Ireland. Before her work with KFC, Ancira worked as an HR leader at PepsiCo in Monterrey, Mexico.
Her passion for progressive workplaces is evident in her work history. During her time at Yum! Brands, she developed a global leadership and character-building program implemented across the entire portfolio. Additionally, she led the U.S. organization through a leadership transformation, achieved 100% gender pay parity, and played a key role in crafting and launching the business’ transformation strategy.
Ancira will be based out of Mattel’s global headquarters in El Segundo, California.
“Mattel’s iconic portfolio is matched only by its passionate and committed global workforce,” Ancira says. “I have long admired the values of the company and identify deeply with the purpose behind its brands, and its relevance and importance to society.”
