Hasbro has announced that its Board of Directors has appointed current president and CEO, Brian Goldner, as chairman of the Board. The appointment is effective as of the Annual Shareholder Meeting on 21 May, 2015 when current chairman, Al Verrecchia, retires. After fifty years of service at Hasbro, Verrecchia is retiring from Hasbro’s board of directors at the target retirement age of 72.
“Since joining Hasbro in 2000 and becoming CEO in 2008, Brian has exhibited tremendous leadership and vision in setting a path for Hasbro,” said Alfred J. Verrecchia, Hasbro’s chairman of the board. “Through his unique ability to understand the consumer and the evolution of our industry, Brian established and is executing a strategy that is delivering strong results and differentiating Hasbro in a very competitive global marketplace. I am confident that the leadership of the company and on the board will successfully guide Hasbro for years to come.”
“I am truly honored to be appointed chairman of Hasbro and to have the opportunity to further lead the evolution of this tremendous company,” said Brian Goldner. “The strength of our brands and the quality of our people around the world is undeniable and there remains enormous potential in both. I am confident that together with the leadership of the Board and our global Hasbro teams we will continue creating the world’s best play experiences and drive enhanced total returns for our shareholders.”
Due primarily to the attainment of retirement age, four additional Hasbro board members will retire and not stand for election at the May Annual Meeting of Shareholders. These include Frank J. Biondi, Jr., John (Jack) M. Connors, Jr., Michael W.O. Garrett and Jack M. Greenberg.
“Each of the retiring board members has provided essential guidance and leadership to Hasbro. We are grateful for their contributions to Hasbro’s success,” added Goldner. “I want to particularly thank Al for his exemplary service to Hasbro through both his time on the Board and his leadership over his long and distinguished career at Hasbro.”