Leadership in Uncertain Times are offering webinar trainings to other con- sumer goods manufacturers in the U.S. from Massachusetts to Texas. The majority of Hasbro’s employees continue to work remotely, however, we are taking a phased approach to reopening Bringing Relief office locations with employees in select locations returning on an as-needed basis. We have put new protocols and processes for all employees into place, including to Children and Families daily temperature checks and requirements for wearing face masks as well as social distancing. We are fortunate to have best-in-class An Interview with Brian Goldner, technology solutions in place that allow us Chairman and Chief Executive Offi cer, Hasbro, Inc. to continue working together and being productive while working remotely. We EDITORS’ NOTE Since joining PJ Masks, as well as premier partner Hasbro is a company that has a long cul- are also communicating with our employ- Hasbro in 2000 and taking on brands. Through its global enter- ture and commitment around community ees frequently to ensure everyone is aware the role of CEO in 2008, Brian tainment studio eOne, Hasbro is engagement and addressing societal need. of new developments and decisions as they Goldner has been instrumen- building its brands globally through What do you see as the role that Hasbro can are made. tal in transforming Hasbro from great storytelling and content on all play in this unprecedented time? There is a great deal of discussion a traditional toy and game com- screens. Hasbro is committed to mak- Hasbro has always been focused on our about businesses reopening in a “new pany to a global play and enter- ing the world a better place for all purpose to make the world a better place for all normal.” What is your outlook for what tainment leader. He pioneered children and all families through children and all families. It really begins with a this new normal may look like and how Hasbro’s entry into entertainment corporate social responsibility and personal commitment that we each make: we is Hasbro preparing for the next stage and oversees the company’s omni- philanthropy. Hasbro ranked No. 13 believe we can do incredible business globally The “why” for our business has always the world. They are adapting to an ever-chang- in this crisis? channel storytelling. In 2019, he on the 2019 100 Best Corporate while also improving the lives of our constituents, been incredibly important, but now more than ing environment as they work tirelessly to mini- Many of the ways consumers and busi- led the company in the acquisi- Citizens list by CR Magazine and has families, fans, kids, audiences, and consumers ever before. Hasbro has committed support mize the impacts of COVID-19 on our business nesses have shifted during this time will be tion of entertainment studio eOne, Brian Goldner been named one of the World’s Most around the world. I think that personal commit- through global philanthropic initiatives that and our people. We’ve been focused on four lasting, if not permanent, so it’s imperative building on Hasbro’s brand port- Ethical Companies® by Ethisphere ment leads to the commitments of great teams aim to bring relief to children and their fami- key areas: that now, in addition to managing through folio globally extending great storytelling and Institute for the past nine years. around the world, especially during this crisis. lies worldwide during this difficult time. We First, demand: Consumers want our prod- this situation, we chart a course for leading content across all screens. Hasbro success- are proud to support Save the Children and ucts and experiences. They are looking for con- on the other side of it. fully manages licenses with some of the most No Kid Hungry in their effort to address the nections and engagement during this time. We We have a unique opportunity at this valuable properties in the industry, including most urgent needs of children, including pro- are leveraging our extensive product portfolio moment to refine our business for the Marvel, Star Wars, Disney Princess and Disney viding nutritious meals and distributing books and diverse retail network to connect global future, building on our greatest assets – Frozen with The Walt Disney Company, and learning resources to those children and consumers with the products and experiences our people and our brands – and challenge Universal Dreamworks Trolls, Sesame Street families most in need. In addition to providing they want. We are offering compelling storytell- ourselves to think differently about how and Beyblade. Prior to assuming his role as fi nancial support, Hasbro donated thousands ing that continues to create strong viewership we work and what we create. CEO, Goldner served in a number of leadership of toys and games to low-income communities globally. For example, being “digital-first” in positions, most recently as COO from 2006- to continue to inspire creativity and fun for Second, supply: The Hasbro team is work- everything we do is no longer optional. 2008. Before joining Hasbro, Goldner held vulnerable children during the COVID-19 pan- ing to utilize our diverse manufacturing and Becoming nimbler and more responsive several senior management positions, includ- demic. We remain deeply committed to using supply chain network to ensure product is avail- to consumer trends will continue to ing executive vice president and chief oper- our brands, our resources and our expertise to able for our customers and consumers. accelerate. ating officer of Bandai America, worldwide help make a difference in our local communi- Third, liquidity: We have substantial I also believe it is more important director in charge of the LA offi ce of J. Walter ties and around the world. liquidity and we are taking prudent steps to than ever to be inclusive in everything we Thompson, and vice president and account Hasbro adapted one of its factories to ensure Hasbro remains in a strong fi nancial do – it’s who we are at Hasbro and we will director in the Chicago offi ce of Leo Burnett create face shields for front line workers position by aligning expenses to today’s envi- continue to prioritize it, consistently. And Advertising. In addition to being a member battling COVID-19. Will you highlight this ronment and preserving cash, while paying finally, our purpose – the reason we do of Hasbro’s board of directors, to which he effort? our dividend, meeting our debt commitments what we do – has never been more impor- was elected in 2008, he serves on the board of Together with our partners at Cartamundi, and making essential investments for the long tant. I believe that the companies that will directors of CBS Corporation, on the board of we are producing 250,000 face shields to be term. lead on the other side of this crisis are trustees for The Paley Center for Media, and is donated to local hospitals in Massachusetts Finally, community: This is a top priority. going to be the ones driven by purpose. a member of the Producers Guild of America. and Rhode Island. This essential personal We are making decisions to protect our employ- You are a business leader who has He is a graduate of Dartmouth College and protective equipment (PPE) is being manu- ees and stakeholders, but also help where we always focused on your people and the Executive Education Program at the Amos factured at the Cartamundi facility in East can through this challenging time. believed that talent makes great com- Tuck School. Longmeadow, Massachusetts. We are grateful How have Hasbro’s employees changed panies. How proud are you to see how for the opportunity to directly assist the criti- the way they work in order to be effective Hasbro’s workforce has risen during COMPANY BRIEF Hasbro (hasbro.com) is a cal needs of front-line medical workers in our with the changes that have been necessary this difficult time and what do you say global play and entertainment company com- community. for all businesses to make during this time? to your team about their perseverance mitted to creating the world’s best play and Hasbro was built with an entrepre- Our teams have reacted creatively and and resilience? entertainment experiences. From toys, games neurial spirit and an ability to be nimble constructively to identify a successful path I am incredibly proud of the resilience and consumer products to television, movies, and adapt. How is Hasbro addressing its forward during this unprecedented global and dedication we’ve seen from Hasbro digital gaming, live action, music, and virtual business in order to succeed in this dif- pandemic. The underlying drivers for our employees. As we’ve all been adjusting to reality experiences, Hasbro connects to global fi cult environment? business are sound and with great innova- this “new normal,” both personally and pro- audiences by bringing to life great innovations, Our teams are fi nding new and ingenious tion, brands and storytelling we are well- fessionally, our teams have come together stories and brands across established and ways to get product from production into cars positioned to successfully execute in 2020 to really support each other as individuals inventive platforms. Hasbro’s iconic brands and homes – safely and effi ciently. They are and beyond. and as one global team. Our teams have include Nerf, Magic: The Gathering, My Little fi nding new ways to create and deliver content I am especially proud of our safety opera- been incredibly resourceful in creating Pony, Transformers, Play-Doh, Monopoly, as this year continues to evolve. Our people are tions team who have set the standard for innovative new ways to work together and Baby Alive, Power Rangers, Peppa Pig and supporting each other from our homes around safe factory and warehouse operations and having some fun while doing so. • 22 LEADERS POSTED WITH PERMISSION. COPYRIGHT © 2020 LEADERS MAGAZINE, INC. VOLUME 43, NUMBER 3 are offering webinar trainings to other con- sumer goods manufacturers in the U.S. from Massachusetts to Texas. The majority of Hasbro’s employees continue to work remotely, however, we are taking a phased approach to reopening office locations with employees in select locations returning on an as-needed basis. We have put new protocols and processes for all employees into place, including daily temperature checks and requirements for wearing face masks as well as social distancing. We are fortunate to have best-in-class technology solutions in place that allow us to continue working together and being productive while working remotely. We are also communicating with our employ- ees frequently to ensure everyone is aware of new developments and decisions as they are made. There is a great deal of discussion about businesses reopening in a “new normal.” What is your outlook for what this new normal may look like and how is Hasbro preparing for the next stage The “why” for our business has always the world. They are adapting to an ever-chang- in this crisis? been incredibly important, but now more than ing environment as they work tirelessly to mini- Many of the ways consumers and busi- ever before. Hasbro has committed support mize the impacts of COVID-19 on our business nesses have shifted during this time will be through global philanthropic initiatives that and our people. We’ve been focused on four lasting, if not permanent, so it’s imperative aim to bring relief to children and their fami- key areas: that now, in addition to managing through lies worldwide during this difficult time. We First, demand: Consumers want our prod- this situation, we chart a course for leading are proud to support Save the Children and ucts and experiences. They are looking for con- on the other side of it. No Kid Hungry in their effort to address the nections and engagement during this time. We We have a unique opportunity at this most urgent needs of children, including pro- are leveraging our extensive product portfolio moment to refine our business for the viding nutritious meals and distributing books and diverse retail network to connect global future, building on our greatest assets – and learning resources to those children and consumers with the products and experiences our people and our brands – and challenge families most in need. In addition to providing they want. We are offering compelling storytell- ourselves to think differently about how fi nancial support, Hasbro donated thousands ing that continues to create strong viewership we work and what we create. of toys and games to low-income communities globally. For example, being “digital-first” in to continue to inspire creativity and fun for Second, supply: The Hasbro team is work- everything we do is no longer optional. vulnerable children during the COVID-19 pan- ing to utilize our diverse manufacturing and Becoming nimbler and more responsive demic. We remain deeply committed to using supply chain network to ensure product is avail- to consumer trends will continue to our brands, our resources and our expertise to able for our customers and consumers. accelerate. help make a difference in our local communi- Third, liquidity: We have substantial I also believe it is more important ties and around the world. liquidity and we are taking prudent steps to than ever to be inclusive in everything we Hasbro adapted one of its factories to ensure Hasbro remains in a strong fi nancial do – it’s who we are at Hasbro and we will create face shields for front line workers position by aligning expenses to today’s envi- continue to prioritize it, consistently. And battling COVID-19. Will you highlight this ronment and preserving cash, while paying finally, our purpose – the reason we do effort? our dividend, meeting our debt commitments what we do – has never been more impor- Together with our partners at Cartamundi, and making essential investments for the long tant. I believe that the companies that will we are producing 250,000 face shields to be term. lead on the other side of this crisis are donated to local hospitals in Massachusetts Finally, community: This is a top priority. going to be the ones driven by purpose. and Rhode Island. This essential personal We are making decisions to protect our employ- You are a business leader who has protective equipment (PPE) is being manu- ees and stakeholders, but also help where we always focused on your people and factured at the Cartamundi facility in East can through this challenging time. believed that talent makes great com- Longmeadow, Massachusetts. We are grateful How have Hasbro’s employees changed panies. How proud are you to see how for the opportunity to directly assist the criti- the way they work in order to be effective Hasbro’s workforce has risen during cal needs of front-line medical workers in our with the changes that have been necessary this difficult time and what do you say community. for all businesses to make during this time? to your team about their perseverance Hasbro was built with an entrepre- Our teams have reacted creatively and and resilience? neurial spirit and an ability to be nimble constructively to identify a successful path I am incredibly proud of the resilience and adapt. How is Hasbro addressing its forward during this unprecedented global and dedication we’ve seen from Hasbro business in order to succeed in this dif- pandemic. The underlying drivers for our employees. As we’ve all been adjusting to fi cult environment? business are sound and with great innova- this “new normal,” both personally and pro- Our teams are fi nding new and ingenious tion, brands and storytelling we are well- fessionally, our teams have come together ways to get product from production into cars positioned to successfully execute in 2020 to really support each other as individuals and homes – safely and effi ciently. They are and beyond. and as one global team. Our teams have fi nding new ways to create and deliver content I am especially proud of our safety opera- been incredibly resourceful in creating as this year continues to evolve. Our people are tions team who have set the standard for innovative new ways to work together and supporting each other from our homes around safe factory and warehouse operations and having some fun while doing so. • VOLUME 43, NUMBER 3 POSTED WITH PERMISSION. COPYRIGHT © 2020 LEADERS MAGAZINE, INC. LEADERS 23