General RIP, Alan G. Hassenfeld, philanthropist and former Hasbro CEO and chairman

Various outlets have reported the passing of former Hasbro CEO Alan G. Hassenfeld in London, England, on July 8, 2025. He was 76.

His passing was confirmed by former Hasbro executive Alfred Verrecchia, who provided no additional details.

After joining the company in 1970 and moving up the ranks, including becoming executive vice president in 1980, Alan took over running Hasbro from his brother Stephen Hassenfeld in 1989 until stepping down as CEO in 2003. He retired from chairmanship in 2005 and took on the role of chairman emeritus, which he relinquished in 2024.

Since his retirement, he lived a life of philanthropy, establishing the nonprofit Hassenfeld Family Initiative LLC in 2008, "a philanthropy with the goals of globalizing safety and human rights within the area of children's products, empower women in developing countries." His work as chairman of the Hassenfeld Family Initiative included establishing the Ethical Supply Chain Program to support the focus on safety and human rights in producing children's products. In 2022, Alan and the Hassenfeld Family Foundation partnered with The Toy Foundation to spearhead an industry-wide relief effort to support families impacted by the war in Ukraine. Alan pledged $1m to the effort, saying, "Everything we do as an industry is about children. It’s our responsibility to do everything in our power to try and bring a smile to the faces of these children as they endure this incredible darkness. As we watch these events unfold, how can any of us not want to help in every possible way?" Alan also founded the Hasbro Children's Hospital in Providence, RI, and his family contributed to the Hassenfeld Child Health Innovation Institute at Brown University in 2015.

Hasbro CEO Chris Cocks released this statement:

“All of us who have ever had any connection to Hasbro today are mourning the profound loss of Alan Hassenfeld, our beloved former chairman & CEO, mentor and dear friend.

“Alan’s enormous heart was, and will remain, the guiding force behind Hasbro – compassionate, imaginative and dedicated to bringing a smile to the face of every child around the world. His tireless advocacy for philanthropy, children’s welfare and the toy industry created a legacy that will inspire us always.

“While we grieve deeply, we also celebrate Alan’s remarkable life and the incredible impact he made. Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with Alan’s family, friends, and everyone who loved him.”

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