After the latest shakeup of bringing back the MEGA boss into the fold here in NYC, seems like its setting the stage for the next round coming...
Are the Marketing folks at FP Friends and Core serious?
While there are rumors running rampant of another layoff in September along with budget cuts, changes to the pension, etc. there are marketing people from EA and NYC posting pics on Facebook in front of all the tourist stops in Moscow. Glad they are... — read more
Which headhunters are the best to contact?
been getting referrals, but wanted to know who the best connected toy people are, thanks!
Female Hot Wheels Veep Quits?
The lady VP of Hot Wheels just quit. Didn't last a year. Are they hiring 3 new Veeps to replace her?
Thoughts from AG on Jean McKenzie?
Seeing as she will be heading up FP now...
More Promotions and more tasks
Daily we have the pleasure of reading about people being promoted yet we can't hire anybody + nobody wants to work at Mattel even if you are lucky enough to have an open rec. Today the announcement comes out with another VP in NAD. Are you kidding... — read more
Unbelievable response re: September layoffs
"WHO ELSE IS LEFT TO LAYOFF?" Really? How about those responsible for our current state. The SVP's and VP's that never stood up for doing what was best for the company versus their own interest. We all know who they are and what value they are NOT to... — read more
Despite the hype....inferior product is on the way
Yes it has worked for now. All the allegiances have been NEWS released (Google, Quirky, DC) and the stock has risen on hope and promises. But we all know that the blood of the concept, what makes it compelling, what makes it desirable, what makes it... — read more
Who voted their stock proxies? Any idea when the vote is over?
Curious if the boneheads at the top see a shift in the results or if the results even matter to them.
Breaking news: Mattel changes its name to Has-Been
Deperate for a newsworthy change, the new "disruptive" name is truth in advertising, and will help by confusing customers. The hope is that the company formerly known as Mattel will be perceived more favorably if it is associated with more successful... — read more
THERE IS NO CHANGE WHERE IT MATTERS
From within.... in the areas responsible for creativity, there is no change where it matters. Those responsible for allowing us to get to this low point are still in charge. Their interests obviously and continual come before Mattels. Their old... — read more
Design Layoffs
Quick recap: Most, if not all, of those laid off were from design. Those whom were largely not effected were marketing and senior management. Now, we are partnering with outside 'creative' companies to help us come up with 'creative and innovative'... — read more
Hasbro and Spinmaster
Hasbro and Spinmaster are skimming and Mattel is still scamming.
Senior mgmt's 5th "Play" value
All of us remember senior management's declared corporate values "Play with Passion," "Play Together," "Play Fair" & "Play to Grow." Wow on that "Play Fair" one, right? The 5th one that was omitted from public release.....Play until your incompetency... — read more
The REAL Tragedy of Mattel
Great designers and marketing types alike are fleeing Mattel's toxic culture for greener pastures at other toy companies. Shamefully, there is no security, no loyalty, no passion left at this once-great company. Between layoffs and people quitting... — read more
Mattel proxy vote: cast your ballot if you have stocks!
I just received mine in the mail and I voted against the entire board as well as against everything else these entitled wastes of space recommended. Let your voices be heard! If you received the info (provided you have stock in mattel), VOTE!!
Q1 Earnings call
What did you think of Richard Dickson's announcements during the earning call? Lots of potential or empty words?
My boss in NYC made a comment today that "everything's back to normal, everyone should stop trolling the sites looking for dirt on mattel"
Unless dysfunction and piss poor management are the norm I'm going to keep coming back F-you very much you pompous ass. The people running this place are tools and the guy they put in charge of the NYC office is an old school tool who has no clue on... — read more
Stockton fired, not resigned - how did Mattel PR get it wrong?
When your head of corp communications knows nothing about her job because she was sent there as punishment for watching Barbie sales slump 3 years in a row, mistakes are bound to happen. But why should she pay attention now when she didn't for three... — read more
Are we all beginning to benefit from greater energy and focus throughout the company from our new game plan?
I must have missed the meeting. Can some one tell me if a specific game plan was communicated to all fellow Mattel employees beyond the obvious....the notice that your services are no longer required. The excerpt below was taken from a Buffalo... — read more
107 Workers Laid Off by Mattel
Featured in LA Times: http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-mattel-layoffs-20150401-story.html
Sinclair? Honestly?
We needed some new energetic blood with toy experience to come in and radically clean house at the top. Instead we got a stodgy 64 year old who will maintain the status quo. Stock fell immediately. Should make for lively conversation inside the big... — read more
How did your raise & bonus make you feel?
Getting a tiny raise and bonus on the heels of layoffs and strongarmed "retirements" leaves me even more concerned about management decisions. Last year, the official party line was "no raises or bonuses, so we can avoid a layoff". But many people... — read more
MAT Q1 Results - Going South
Wait until the Q1 numbers come out which will be horrible & can't wait to hear the temp CEO talk his way out of that mess. More headwinds, wish there were tailwinds, POS this, POS that, which is all BS, BTW......... NeverAfter High never took off &... — read more
Mattel- What's next? More of the Same
I had really hoped that the dismissal of Stockton would change some of the major issues facing Mattel. First, that would we dissolve the nightmare that is the NAD. The roles across every discipline are duplicitous-strat, finance, marketing. The... — read more
Another Fisher-Price story...
It was one of the saddest thing I ever saw. The death of Fisher-Price because of the arrogance and ignorance of Mattel management. I know that much like this has been posted before, but I feel the need to say it again, in my own words. Fisher-Price... — read more
Asleep at the wheel? Major stock holders: Vanguard, T Rowe Price & Bank of NY
How long will they allow this ship to flounder before they demand a change of command?
Another Bullseye Article on Alpha
Mattel management, are your ears burning? Get of your butts and READ IT! http://m.seekingalpha.com/article/3032716-mattel-the-fork-in-the-road?source
Private Equity Ownership or Leg-tel?
Cut the crap, people. Mattel's problems are much deeper and more firmly entrenched than just a few at the top. I suspect the best use of Stockton's "deep institutional knowledge" and the only reason to bring him back (or for him to want to come back)... — read more
Typical Career Path at Mattel
First year: bedazzled by systems complexity and bright colleagues. Second year: bonus sucked, I must pull harder. Third year: it wasn't really my fault, why is my bonus == shit? 4th: wtf am I doing here anyway? I know my stuff, my friends have left... — read more
This is how this story ends...
We are going private, period. There will be a Private Equity takeover soon. The PE guys will pay a small premium to the shareholders (they will wait for our stock price to drop even more) and will be taking the company off the market. Once they move... — read more