Operations Associate

American Girl turns 40 with return of Historical Characters. 2026-04-09 Mattel has launched the American Girl Historical Characters 40th Anniversary Collection, featuring the return of popular 18-inch dolls, including Addy Walker, Josefina Montoya, Felicity Merriman, Kit Kittredge and Samantha Parkington. The collection is available in new bundled offerings, both online and in stores. Mattel has sold more than 36 million American Girl dolls worldwide since the brand's 1986 launch. Full story: NRF SmartBrief News and trends about the U.S. Retail industry Designed specifically for retail professionals, NRF SmartBrief is a free, daily email newsletter. It provides the latest need-to-know news and industry information that maximizes your time, giving you an edge over your competition.

WhiteWater named exclusive water attraction vendor for future Mattel Wonder Indoor Waterparks locations. April 8, 2026 American Resort Management, LLC, the official licensor of the five recently-announced Mattel Wonder Indoor Waterparks(TM), is partnering with Vancouver-based manufacturer, WhiteWater, to be the exclusive global water attraction vendor for all future locations. Mattel will be bringing its characters and brands to life through immersive aquatic destinations together with these partners. With a portfolio of water attractions encompassing water slides, aquatic play, waves, surf, and guest engagement software, WhiteWater was selected for its breadth and depth of offerings that can cater to every audience type. The company has a demonstrated history of supplying to high-profile, record-breaking projects all over the world as well as proven experience working with major IPs, using rides, features, and theming to express well-known narratives. American Resort Management, LLC, in collaboration with aquatic design firm, Martin Aquatic, will integrate many of Mattel's brands, including Barbie(R) and Hot Wheels(R) across multiple attractions. WhiteWater will be delivering a well-rounded mix of attractions for both families and thrill-seekers alike. Competition slides, wave pools, aquatic play structures, and two brand-new rides are among the anticipated draws, including one exclusive to Mattel Wonder Indoor Waterparks. "We are excited to collaborate with WhiteWater on the development of these parks, where guests will experience unique attractions together with their favorite brands," said Rick Coleman, CEO of American Resort Management. "Bringing the leading waterslide manufacturer to the team means that fans of the Mattel brand can expect the same high-quality experience from location to location." "With a history of successful projects with both Martin Aquatic and American Resort Management, we're thrilled to be collaborating with them again, together with new partners, to create location-based entertainment that is both familiar and novel," said Onno Meeter, WhiteWater's President, Water Parks. "It is indeed very special to be working with a client to design a never-before-seen slide with new ride experiences exclusive to their parks." "Having worked with WhiteWater on numerous projects that have set records for waterpark innovation, our team looks forward to the design process with a partner that understands how to deliver the best guest experience," said Josh Martin, President & Creative Director for Martin Aquatic.

Sanjay Luthra to succeed Steve Totzke at Mattel. Published on: 8th April 2026 Steve Totzke will step down from his role at the start of May, with Sanjay Luthra appointed to succeed him as Chief Commercial Officer. Mattel, Inc. has announced that Steve Totzke, President and Chief Commercial Officer, will step down from his role effective from 1st May 2026. Sanjay Luthra, Executive Vice President and Managing Director of EMEA and Global Direct-to-Consumer, has been appointed Chief Commercial Officer, overseeing Mattel's global sales and commercial operations. Steve Totzke will continue as an Executive Advisor and President, Strategic Transition until the end of the year, to ensure a smooth transition. Sanjay will report to Mattel Chairman and CEO, Ynon Kreiz. Ynon said: "Steve has built a world-class commercial organization, deepened our relationships with retail partners and expanded our global reach while developing countless team members at Mattel. Sanjay is a Mattel veteran who has steered EMEA's transformation to achieve record sales and growth during his tenure and expanded Mattel's leadership across the region in key categories. On behalf of our Board and everyone at Mattel, we thank Steve for his passion and many contributions, and I am personally grateful for his years of partnership. We look forward to Sanjay's impact in executing our brand-centric strategy to grow our IP-driven play and family entertainment business." Steve commented: "It has been the privilege of a lifetime to be part of Mattel and an industry I have called home for the past 30 years. The pride in what our commercial organization has created with our global partners is matched only by the impact we make on the lives of children and families around the world with our products and experiences. I am pleased to pass the baton to the very capable hands of my partner and friend, Sanjay, and the entire commercial leadership team, and I look forward to seeing Mattel continue to shine." Sanjay Luthra has transformed the company's EMEA operations, implemented new commercial and digital capabilities, advanced omni-channel selling and created demand in an increasingly complex environment. He has also led Mattel's global strategy across direct-to-consumer and the adult collector market. He has served as Chairman of the Board of Toy Industries of Europe for the past seven years in recognition of his experience and industry leadership. He joined Mattel India in 2003, followed by leadership roles in Eastern Europe and Canada, before leading the EMEA and global DTC business. He will be based at Mattel's headquarters in El Segundo, California. Sanjay added: "I have been honoured and humbled to be part of this iconic company for the past two decades, across three continents and six countries. I am grateful for the opportunity to lead Mattel's commercial organization into the future. With Mattel's incredible portfolio of brands, deep partnerships and a talented team, we are well positioned to lead the industry in growth, innovation and impact."