Berman, Stephen G. — Jakks Pacific Inc. | Los Angeles Business Journal

Berman, Stephen G

President and Chief Executive

Jakks Pacific Inc.

THE LATEST: Berman's Santa Monica-based toymaker last year fended off a takeover bid by Hong Kong-based Meisheng Cultural Co. Ltd. In November, Berman hired former Mattel Inc. executive John Kimble as chief financial officer. And in February Jakks Pacific reported $598.6 million in net sales for 2019, a 5% increase from the same period a year ago.

BACKGROUND: Berman co-founded Jakks Pacific in 1995. He has served as executive vice president, secretary and director and was named chief executive in 2010. Jakks holds licensing agreements with Nintendo and The Walt Disney Co. and has its own proprietary brands. In 2001, Berman received the Los Angeles Entrepreneur of the Year award from Ernst & Young. Prior to Jakks, Berman was vice president and managing director of THQ International Inc., a subsidiary of video-game developer THQ Inc., and president of Balanced Approach Inc., a distributor of personal fitness products and services.

YEARS ON THE LA500: 3

Return to the 2020 edition of the LA500.

Reader Poll

READER POLL: Would you consider renting your home out on short-term rental sites like Airbnb??

Reader Poll

READER POLL: Would you consider renting your home out on short-term rental sites like Airbnb??