Sad news arrives as the former CEO and Chairman of Hasbro and the last member of the Hassenfeld family to have a direct role in the running of the company has passed away. Alan Hassenfeld joined Hasbro in 1970, rising to the role of executive vice president by 1980 and chairman and CEO by 1989, a role he held until 2003 when he finally stepped down to become chairman emeritus. His sudden passing very much marks the end of an era for the company.
Hasbro was founded by the Hassenfeld family (initially as Hassenfeld Brothers) and Alan joined the company in 1970. He rose through the ranks, initially being heavily involved in Hasbro’s international operations, before he became executive vice president in 1980 and president a few years later. In 1989, Alan became chairman and chief executive officer. Hasbro flourished under his leadership and developed into a global powerhouse in toys, entertainment and licensing. Throughout his career, Alan was never shy to take a stand and was always fiercely protective of the company and its employees.
A long and successful tenure continued until 2003, when Alan stepped down as CEO. He retired from his chairman position in 2005, becoming emeritus chairman, a role that he only relinquished last year in order to focus more on his philanthropic endeavours. This move saw the end of his family’s direct role in leading the company.
Our sincerest condilences to the Hassenfeld family and Alan’s many friends and colleagues both in the toy world and beyond.
