Toy Association Mourns the Passing of Bryan Stockton, Former Mattel CEO

August 3, 2020 | The Toy Association and its members mourn the tragic passing of toy industry veteran Bryan Stockton. The former Mattel executive, 66, held various positions on The Toy Association’s Board of Directors, including serving two years as chairman from 2010 to 2012.

Under Stockton’s term as chairman of the board, the Association expanded its membership to include licensors, retailers, sales reps, and others, with the goal to make the Association a stronger and more inclusive organization. Stockton also served as treasurer (2006 to 2008), vice chair (2008 to 2010), and then as an advisory member of the Board through 2014 following his chairmanship.

Member of the Mattel Board of Directors Soren T. Laursen, who served as vice chairman of The Toy Association under Stockton and accepted the chairmanship gavel from him in 2012 stated: “I am deeply saddened by Bryan’s sudden and too early passing. Fortunately, I have many positive memories by which I will honor his memory. He was always highly professional and blessed with interpersonal skills and a good sense of humor. As he prepared me to take over the chairmanship for the Association, we faced many industry challenges. However, thanks to Bryan's leadership and his winning personality, he guided us though the challenges in a manner in which working with him was always a professional and personal pleasure.”

This sentiment was also expressed by those Stockton competed with as well. “Brian and I were fierce competitors but we were also friends and someone who I enjoyed working with on The Toy Association Board,” said Al Verrecchia, the former chairman of Hasbro who preceded Stockton in his chairmanship for the Association.

Added Carter Keithley, former president & CEO of The Toy Association: "I served many board chairmen during my 45-year career, and Bryan was one of the most highly professional. He was the very model of a successful MBA in action, and he combined that professionalism with energy, creativity, and grace. He had a lot left to give the world, and we are in a poorer place without him.”

According to a statement released by Mattel, prior to his departure in 2015, Stockton spent 15 years with the company. He joined in 2000 as executive vice president of business planning & development and most recently served as CEO (2012 to 2015) and chairman (2013 to 2015). He also held roles as COO, executive vice president of international, and president of international during his tenure.

Stockton also served on multiple educational, not-for-profit, and industry boards, including the Mattel Children’s Hospital UCLA and the President’s Advisory Council at Otis College of Art & Design. He also worked on the executive and strategic planning committees of UCLA Anderson School Board of Visitors and the Board of Directors for the 2015 Special Olympics World Summer Games Los Angeles.

After leaving Mattel, Stockton turned his attention on his other passion, photography, which grew into an award-winning career. His work has been recognized by the Graphis Photography Annual competition and featured in Travel & Leisure.

"Bryan Stockton is among a precious few across this great industry who have selflessly stepped forward to promote and protect the entire toy and play community," said Toy Association president & CEO Steve Pasierb. "His commitment of time, attention, energy, and wisdom to The Toy Association helped overcome challenges and seize opportunities. Bryan is remembered to this day for his leadership on our board together with his great capacity for kindness. Our deepest condolences go to Bryan's family, loved ones, and the countless toy people he touched during his career."

Stockton is survived by is his wife, Maureen, along with their four children and two grandchildren.