Hasbro names two new officers, announces new Monopoly piece

PAWTUCKET-BASED HASBRO INC. has shuffled its executive deck and announced a new Monopoly piece.  / BLOOMBERG FILE PHOTO/ MICHAEL SPRINGER
PAWTUCKET-BASED HASBRO INC. has shuffled its executive deck and announced a new Monopoly piece. / BLOOMBERG FILE PHOTO/ MICHAEL SPRINGER

PAWTUCKET – Toy and game-maker Hasbro Inc. announced Wednesday the appointment of two veteran employees to high-level chief officer positions.

David Hargreaves, former chief operating officer and 30-year employee of Hasbro, has been named to the newly-created position of executive vice president of corporate strategy and business development in an effort to expand its brand potential. As the COO, he is assigned with promoting and sustaining Hasbro’s long-term growth while fostering relationships with its partners. In addition, his 12-year commitment within the company’s senior management team will also persist.

“David’s high regard within the toy, game and entertainment industries, his proven financial acumen, and widespread business relationships ideally position him to spearhead our new corporate strategy function,” Brian Goldner, Hasbro’s president and CEO, said in a statement.

Hasbro has also appointed a new chief commercial officer. Former president of Hasbro’s North American office, 25-year employee Wiebe Tinga will be responsible for the company’s global markets, leading all commercial activity through North America, Europe, Latin America and Pacific Asia, reporting directly to Goldner.

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“Wiebe is a proven business leader and ideally suited to drive long-term growth across our brands and our partners’ brands globally,” said Goldner in prepared remarks. “Having successfully worked in each of our territories during his long career with Hasbro, Wiebe’s breadth of experience will be a tremendous asset as we continue to expand our reach in both mature and emerging markets worldwide.”

In other news, following a global Facebook-based election that ended Tuesday, Hasbro also announced that the iron will no longer be featured in its signature Monopoly game. Instead, more than 30 percent of respondents voted to put the cat atop its empty throne, beating out the toy robot, guitar, helicopter and diamond ring.

The newly updated classic will feature the cat piece in versions released in mid-to-late 2013. The older version will be available for a limited time following the update.

“While we’re a bit sad to see the iron go, the cat token is a fantastic choice by the fans and we have no doubt it will become just as iconic as the original tokens,” said Eric Nyman, senior vice president and global brand leader for Hasbro Gaming, in a release.

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