Hasbro CEO, Chairman Brian Goldner dies at 58

Hasbro CEO Brian Goldner, died two days after the toymaker announced he stepped down to go on medical leave to battle cancer, is seen May 11, 2017 as he and his wife Barbara endowed a playground in downtown Providence in memory of their son Brandon. Photo by Steve Klamkin WPRO News

NEW YORK (AP) — Toy and entertainment company Hasbro said Tuesday that its CEO and chairman Brian D. Goldner has died. He was 58.

The announcement came two days after the Pawtucket, Rhode Island, company said Goldner was taking a medical leave of absence from his CEO role, effective immediately. Hasbro said at that time that Rich Stoddart, most recently the lead independent director of Hasbro’s board, had been appointed as interim CEO.

The company did not give a cause of death, but Goldner disclosed in August 2020 that he had been undergoing treatment for cancer since 2014.

Goldner served as the CEO of Hasbro Inc. since 2008, and served as chairman since May 2015.

He was instrumental in transforming Hasbro into a global play and entertainment leader. Under his stewardship, Hasbro expanded beyond toys and games into television, movies, digital gaming and other areas. That strategy culminated with the 2019 acquisition of independent entertainment studio eOne.

Goldner also served on the board of ViacomCBS.