Toymaker Hasbro announced Tuesday that its longtime Chief Executive Brian Goldner has passed away, just two days after he requested medical leave.
Last August, Goldner, 58, disclosed that he had been undergoing medical treatment for cancer since 2014.
Goldner had served as CEO of the company since 2008. He joined Hasbro in 2000 and became chairman of the board in 2015. Goldner also served as a director on the board of ViacomCBS.
Rich Stoddart, most recently the lead independent director of Hasbro’s board, was appointed interim CEO when Goldner took medical leave.
“Since joining the company more than two decades ago, Brian has been the heart and soul of Hasbro,” Stoddart said in a statement. “As a charismatic and passionate leader in both the play and entertainment industries, Brian’s work brought joy and laughter to children and families around the world.”
While at Hasbro, Goldner successfully grew the business beyond toys and games, and into television, movies and digital gaming.
