ABSTRACT
When Jill Elikann Barad, 46, was appointed to succeed John Amerman, who had run the El Segundo, CA, toymaker for 10 years, she initiated moves to unload non-core businesses and abandoned a long-standing emphasis on double-digit quarterly earnings growth-a hallmark of her predecessor, who continues as chairman. Described by colleagues as a hard-driving manager with an instinct for what kids like, Barad won early recognition for reenergizing Barbie, the 11.5-inch doll that currently represents $1.7 billion of Mattel’s $3.8 billion 1996 annual revenue.
