Games and toys have had an extraordinary impact on a lot of gamers' development growing up, even still holding a special place in their hearts as they grow older. Hasbro, one of the companies behind putting many popular franchises into figurines, such as Star Wars, Transformers, and My Little Pony, has brought entertainment to people for years.

Unfortunately, the CEO of Hasbro, Brian Goldner, passed away at 58 years of age. Goldner has been with the company ever since 2000, being promoted to CEO in 2008. Goldner recently stepped down from the company two days ago for medical leave. For those who do not know, Goldner announced back in 2014 that he has been having complications with Prostate Cancer and has been receiving treatment ever since.

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Rich Stoddart, one of the directors on the Hasbro board, has since been appointed as the interim CEO. In a public statement made to Businesswire, Stoddart stated that Goldner had been the heart and soul of Hasbro. He emphasizes that Goldner has been influential in the industry and has brought joy and laughter to many children across the world, and he will be deeply missed.

Stoddart credits Goldner as one of the reasons the company turned into the global entertainment leader that it has become today. Goldner oversaw Hasbro's acquisition of the entertainment studio "eOne" back in 2019, whose goal is to bring innovative ideas worldwide. Goldner also served on the Board of Directors at ViacomCBS as the Chair of the Compensation Committee. His goal at ViacomCBS is to improve systems of care for vulnerable members of society.

The game company Wizards, who are responsible for Dungeons and Dragons games, also stated on the company's Twitter account from the president Chris Cocks. In it, he shared valued Goldner's belief that games can make a positive change in the world for children and families. Cocks says that those who were fortunate enough to work with Goldner will always be grateful for his mentorship, wisdom, and unwavering positivity.

Goldner has had a tremendous amount of influence on the industry, even outside of Hasbro. He was universally admired in the industry as someone who deserved to be respected for over twenty years of influence. His passion for creativity and leadership is something that the world desperately needs and will be hard to replicate. Goldner is remembered by his co-workers, friends, wife, daughter, and the rest of his family.

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Source: Businesswire, Wizards of the Coast