Mattel Hires Stolar

Former Sega America head Bernie Stolar's challenge this year will be to change the fortunes of a different struggling videogame power. Mattel has announced that Bernie Stolar will be the new president of Mattel Interactive. Stolar will be charged with solving the problems currently plaguing Mattel's interactive toys and software division, including stemming the losses of The Learning Company. Stolar left Sega of America after disputes with Sega's Japanese parent over strategy for Dreamcast American launch, at Mattel he will be a key part of CEO Jill Barad's overall plan to reshape the company. Mattel also announced the retirement of Chief Financial Officer Harry Pearce, who spent 24 years with Tyco before joining Mattel in a 1997 merger. Pearce's departure is also said to be related to financial problems stemming from The Learning Company acquisition.