Will pull-string CEO be unmade in China? Following its second recent recall of millions of potentially unsafe toys made in China, Mattel has launched a new offering: the Robert Eckert Doll. Perhaps you saw the ads in major newspapers like The New York Times and Wall Street Journal? He’s the company’s CEO, and when you pull his string he says: “Our long record of safety at Mattel is why we’re one of the most trusted names with parents. And I am confident that the actions we are taking now will maintain that trust.” Eckert’s also the star of a video on Mattel’s Web site. His tented hands remind me of Mr. Burns from The Simpsons, which is always a good role model for such a fine "executive toy." But one more fiasco, and Robert Eckert could be the next item Mattel is forced to recall. On the bright side, think what a collector’s item he’ll become! —Posted by David Gianatasio

August 15, 2007 | Permalink

Comments

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Honestly, Bob Eckert has had his hands full when he took the post not too long ago. He did a pretty damn good job cleaning things up around there.

This China fiasco is most definitely not his fault. It is the lax enforcement of rules over there that is causing this mess. Believe me, all companies that product low-ticket items in China is sh**ing their pants right now.

He's just the first to let the public know through a recall. I commend that action. Lesser CEO's would have tried to hide it as long as they could after discover. They would only issue a recall AFTER enough people got injured.

Posted by: Bubb Rhubb | Aug 15, 2007 6:07:32 PM

Either way, I’m not worried for Bob, not with what CEOs get in severance these days.

;-p

Posted by: makethelogobigger | Aug 15, 2007 7:38:00 PM

How about finding some real "product-based" "selling solutions" to these marketing problems. The last time I confronted such a crisis I created Tylenol Gelcaps for McNeil to end the cyanide tampering issue and address consumer's real concerns forever. Utilizing the media was not a sufficient bandage then, and it may not be now. People want to see investment in real solutions. That way the door will not be left open for a "next time."
Martin Calle
Chief of Staff
Disruptive Consumer Intelligence
Calle & Company
www.CalleCompany.com

Posted by: Martin Calle | Aug 18, 2007 10:41:10 AM

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