Hasbro Announces Changes to Board of Directors

Hasbro has announced Frank Gibeau, president, Zynga; Darin Harris, chief executive officer, Jack in the Box and Owen Mahoney, former president and chief executive officer, Nexon, have been appointed to Hasbro’s board of directors, effective March 21. 

“We are thrilled to have Frank, Darin and Owen join our accomplished and diverse board of directors,” says Rich Stoddart, chair, board of directors, Hasbro. “They all have an immeasurable amount of leadership experience working across online and mobile gaming, as well as leading storied consumer brands and franchises. Each of them will add tremendous value and unique perspective to our board. I look forward to working hand in hand with them to further unlock the value of our award-winning brands and build out our long-term innovation and growth strategy.” 

Gibeau has served as president of Zynga, a publishing and development label of Take-Two Interactive Software, since May 2022. With over 30 years of experience in interactive entertainment, he led Zynga’s turnaround and transition to rapid growth as chief executive officer from 2016 to 2022, fortifying the company’s portfolio of popular franchises, including Toon Blast, Empires and Puzzles, CSR Racing, Words With Friends and Zynga Poker. Prior to Zynga, Gibeau spent more than two decades at Electronic Arts, where he held several influential business and product leadership roles. 

Harris has served as chief executive officer, Jack in the Box, since June 2020. Before that, he held leadership roles at IWG, CiCi’s Enterprises and Primrose Schools. Harris previously held franchise leadership roles at Arby’s Restaurant Group and Captain D’s Seafood. 

Mahoney served as president and chief executive officer, Nexon, from March 2014 until his retirement this month. He joined Nexon in 2010 and served as chief financial officer and chief administrative officer until 2014, responsible for managing the company’s finances, global operations, investments and strategic alliances. Previously, Mahoney was senior vice president of corporate development at Electronic Arts from 2000 to 2009. 

The company also announced that at the annual shareholders meeting, Tracy Leinbach, Linda Zecher Higgins and Michael Burns will retire from the board. After the 2024 annual meeting, Hasbro’s board will consist of 11 members. 

“Tracy, Linda and Michael have been instrumental in steering Hasbro and I’d like to thank them for their support and guidance over the past few years,” says Chris Cocks, chief executive officer, Hasbro. “We are especially grateful for their dedication in ensuring our new board members are well-positioned to support the company’s evolving priorities, as we refocus on play and lean into our strength in games.” 

In addition to the retirement of Leinbach, Zecher Higgins and Burns from the board, Alan Hassenfeld will be stepping away from his role as emeritus chairman following the shareholder meeting. Hassenfeld will continue to be engaged with Hasbro helping to guide the company’s charitable efforts, in addition to his other philanthropic pursuits. 

“Alan has been and will always be a prominent architect of Hasbro’s legacy – he is irreplaceable,” says Cocks. “He will remain part of our DNA as a company that celebrates the magic of storytelling and values the power of play. We’ll have more to share soon on how we will honor Alan’s legacy, and we will continue to work on charitable endeavors together providing development and relief for children around the world through the power of play.” 

“It has always been our dream to bring sunshine to the world over where there has been darkness, especially for children,” says Hassenfeld. “That won’t change and I’m excited to support Hasbro in my next chapter.”