Mattel has announced that Josh Silverman has been appointed as global head of consumer products and chief franchise officer, starting Sept. 1.  

Silverman will join Mattel following more than a decade at The Walt Disney Company, where he held senior leadership positions in Disney’s Consumer Products division.  

In his role at Mattel, Silverman will oversee global consumer products licensing, franchise management, retail development, publishing, live experiences and location-based entertainment.  

Silverman served as executive vice president of global third-party commercialization, leading Disney’s consumer product licensing business, third-party retail, and flexible business models in his most recent role at The Walt Disney Company. Silverman led a team developing strategic best-in-class partnerships across markets, categories, and distribution channels and bringing Disney’s brands, characters and stories to life for fans worldwide through high-quality and innovative products and experiences.  

“Josh is an exceptional and talented leader and widely regarded as one of the most accomplished executives in consumer products,” says Richard Dickson, president, chief operating officer, Mattel, to whom Silverman will report. “His experience at Disney overseeing the world’s largest entertainment-related consumer products business will be invaluable as we start the next chapter of our growth strategy at Mattel. There is incredible potential to be unlocked in our treasure trove of IP under his leadership and across our portfolio of iconic brands.”  

Before Mattel, Silverman was executive vice president of global franchise licensing for Disney Consumer Products, responsible for the global consumer products licensing business and franchise management. His role also included time overseeing creative and product development, The Disney Store business, and commercialization for Disney Interactive and Disney Publishing Worldwide. 

“I have long admired Mattel’s brands, mission and purpose, both as an entertainment company partner and as a father and fan,” says Silverman. “Given the strength of its portfolio, I believe there is tremendous commercial opportunity ahead for Mattel. I am thrilled to join this world-class leadership team at such an exciting time in Mattel’s growth as an IP-driven, high-performing toy company.”