Alan & Stephen Hassenfeld To Be Inducted Into Licensing Hall Of Fame

Alan G. Hassenfeld, chairman of the executive committee and former chairman of the board of Hasbro, Inc., and the late Stephen Hassenfeld, CEO and chairman of the board until 1989, have been selected for induction into the International Licensing Industry Merchandisers’ Association (LIMA) Licensing Industry Hall of Fame.

The induction ceremony will take place on June 8, 2010 at the second annual LIMA Opening Night Awards Party at Licensing International Expo 2010, which will be held at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas.

The Hassenfelds were among the first to recognize the impact toys and games could have in telling a story and to harness the power of licensing to build a strong global brand. As a result, licensing has a preeminent role at Hasbro; the company has been a top toy licensing partner for many entertainment and brand companies, and many of Hasbro’s own brands have become licensing juggernauts in their own right. Beginning with the revitalization of G.I. JOE in the early 1980’s and continuing today with Milton Bradley, Parker Brothers, Playskool, My Little Pony, and the astonishingly successful Transformers program, with more than 250 licensees across all major lifestyle categories, Hasbro’s portfolio of brands is unmatched.

Under the Hassenfelds’ leadership, Hasbro initiated significant changes in the way partners work together on new licensing opportunities. By creating a more simultaneous and collaborative creative process, Hasbro has given its programs a competitive edge by improving speed to market. Major licensing partners include Lucasfilm, Marvel, DreamWorks, Paramount, Universal and Electronic Arts (EA).

Noted for their philanthropy, the Hassenfelds have been involved in literally hundreds of charitable and social causes. The Hasbro Children’s Foundation, founded by Stephen Hassenfeld in 1984, has contributed millions of dollars to children’s causes. Among other endeavors, Alan Hassenfeld is co-chair of the International Committee of Toy Industries (ICTI) Care Foundation, the global toy industry’s program to ensure the ethical manufacture of children’s products.

“Stephen and Alan transformed their family’s Rhode Island toy company into a global marketing powerhouse, along the way garnering Wall Street’s respect for toy companies,” said Charles Riotto, President of LIMA. “They also share LIMA’s commitment to integrity in business and to giving back to the communities and consumers who support our business. LIMA is proud to honor them as licensing industry pioneers at Licensing International Expo this June.”

“From the youngest moviegoers to passionate toy collectors of all ages, our licensing programs have been a way for Hasbro to help bring joy and laughter to last a lifetime,” said Alan G. Hassenfeld. “I am honored that Stephen and I will be recognized by the licensing community for our efforts.”

Candidates for the LIMA 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.