Stephen Berman — Jakks Pacific Inc.

Co-Founder, Chairman and Chief Executive

THE LATEST: Berman navigated Jakks Pacific through the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic. By managing costs in 2020, the Santa Monica-based toy company narrowed losses from $56 million to $15.5 million and reported $515.8 million in net revenue, according to documents filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Jakks Pacific said it expects “return to more normal patterns of shopping, gift-giving and celebrating Halloween,” and that sales in 2021 will get a boost from entertainment content from its licensing partners, including Nintendo, Walt Disney Co. and Electronic Arts. The company also has proprietary brands.
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. 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: 4
Return to the 2021 edition of the LA500.