Neil Friedman, President of Mattel, Inc. (NYSE: MAT, www.mattel.com), a global provider of children’s toys, games and entertainment licensing, will be inducted into the International Licensing Industry Merchandisers’ Association (LIMA) Murray Altchuler Licensing Industry Hall of Fame at the Annual LIMA Awards Gala. The ceremony will
take place Wednesday, June 20, 2007, at the Marriott Marquis Times Square in
New York City.
"During the course of his 34-year career, Neil has been actively involved in the licensing industry in many different roles, as a retailer, licensee,
licensor and a past Chairman of the LIMA Board." notes Charles Riotto,
President of LIMA. "In addition to his many business successes, Neil has a
reputation for the highest level of integrity, and is well-known for his
outstanding leadership skills while managing successful, employee friendly
organizations. These are some of the qualities that single him out as an
icon in the industry."
"I’ve been an active member of LIMA for years. This truly is an honor to be
inducted into the LIMA Hall of Fame alongside many of the licensing
community’s celebrated professionals that I have respected throughout my
career," said Mr. Friedman.
Mr. Friedman has worn several licensing industry hats, beginning his career
at Lionel Leisure (a big box toy retailer) as a Merchandise Manager where he
was involved in many licensed programs. During his tenure at Hasbro he was
active in establishing many licenses including Shirt Tales, Raggedy Ann and
Andy, Disney and Sesame Street. At Gerber, he launched a Baby Looney
Tunes line and as President of Consumer Products for Universal Studies, he
worked with Universal’s portfolio of properties.
It was during his Presidency at Tyco Preschool where Mr. Friedman first left
his indelible mark on the industry as a pioneer and visionary that continues
today. There, his focus and definitive expertise on creating strong and
innovative products, combined with strong licenses, established "feature
plush" product as a key category in driving preschool licensed lines, and
has changed the landscape of the toy industry forever. His acumen and
insight brought about a 500% increase in Sesame Street sales and the launch
of the Blues Clues line for what became the largest licensed preschool
company in the world, Fisher-Price. As President of Fisher-Price, he was
responsible for the successful growth of Fisher-Price Friends and
Fisher-Price core toy businesses. Currently, as President of Mattel Brands,
Mr. Friedman oversees all business including Fisher-Price, Barbie, Polly
Pocket, Hot Wheels, Matchbox, Mattel Games, the entertainment-licensed
properties and the newly acquired Radica Games portfolio. He is also
responsible for Mattel Brands Consumer Products which controls the
out-licensing for all Mattel owned brands.
Candidates for the Murray Altchuler Licensing Hall of Fame must demonstrate
continual and outstanding contributions to the licensing industry.
Consideration is given to those who have been actively involved in the
business of licensing for a minimum of 10 years and whose contributions have
ongoing relevance to the industry.
Founded in 1985, LIMA is the worldwide trade organization for the licensing
industry. LIMA’s main objective is to work together with licensors and
licensees for the advancement of professionalism in licensing through
research, national and international seminars, trade events and
publications. With members in 26 countries, and offices in New York,
London, Munich, Tokyo and Shanghai, members enjoy access to a wide variety
of activities, information and benefits. LIMA is a proud sponsor of the
annual Licensing International Show (New York), Brand Licensing (London),
LiMa Licensing Market (Munich), Licensing Asia (Tokyo), Shanghai Licensing
Show and the Hong Kong Licensing Show. In addition, LIMA now offers a
Certificate in Licensing Studies (CLS) program, the only educational course
specifically designed to prepare professionals to succeed in the
ever-changing licensing industry.