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Mattel’s Bob Eckert on what makes a good toy

Toymakers are in New York this week, showing off their wares at the industry's big annual trade show. Kai Ryssdal talks with Mattel CEO Bob Eckert about what makes a good toy, and why such a fun business can be so tough.

CEO Snapshot

Who: Bob Eckert, CEO, Mattel

Joined Mattel in 2000 as CEO and Chairman of the Board.

What he did before: President of Oscar Mayer (a division of Kraft Foods) and then CEO of Kraft.

First paying job: Selling men’s clothes

Education: B.S. in Business Administration, University of Arizona; MBA, Northwestern University

What you may not know: During his 30-year career, Eckert has worked for just two companies: Mattel and Kraft.

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