Global Toy News Insight
The appointment of Joshua Izzo as President of McFarlane Toys signals more than a leadership change—it points toward an increasingly franchise-driven strategy for one of the collectibles industry’s most recognizable companies. Izzo brings nearly three decades of experience spanning toys, entertainment, licensing and franchise development, including senior leadership at James Cameron’s Lightstorm Entertainment as well as previous roles with 20th Century Fox Consumer Products, Capcom Entertainment, Hasbro and 4Kids Entertainment. That combination gives McFarlane an executive who understands both the physical product business and the larger entertainment ecosystems that increasingly drive collectible demand.
For the broader toy industry, the move reflects how important IP management and franchise development have become to the collectibles category. McFarlane Toys has built its reputation around highly detailed products and major entertainment licenses, but Izzo’s background suggests opportunities to expand how those relationships translate across product, storytelling, licensing and long-term brand building. With adult collectors continuing to reshape the toy marketplace, companies that can connect compelling products with enduring entertainment franchises have an increasingly powerful advantage. McFarlane’s decision to put an experienced franchise strategist at the helm could position the company for a more ambitious phase of growth while preserving the design-driven identity that made it successful.
September 8th, 2026 – Tempe, AZ – McFarlane Toys announces Joshua Izzo will be joining McFarlane Toys as its new President, effective September 8th, 2026. Joshua brings nearly three decades of experience across toys, licensing, entertainment and franchise development.
Joshua joins McFarlane Toys from James Cameron’s Lightstorm Entertainment, where he spent nearly a decade in senior leadership, most recently as Executive Vice President. He has overseen franchise strategy, new business development and ancillary storytelling across the Avatar universe, working closely with creative, licensing, theatrical and strategic partners to build and expand one of entertainment’s most iconic film properties.
Earlier in his career, Joshua held licensing and brand franchise roles at 20th Century Fox Consumer Products and Capcom Entertainment, along with leadership positions at Hasbro and 4Kids Entertainment, giving him an impressive background and well-rounded perspective that spans toy development, global licensing and franchise management.
“I could not be more excited and energized to join this incredibly talented team. McFarlane Toys has proven to be an innovative and ground-breaking leader in the toy and collectible space for over thirty years, and I look forward to helping take this business to new heights in the future” said Joshua Izzo, President.
“I’ve had the good fortune, over the past three decades, to work side-by-side with so many talented people who have helped McFarlane Toys become a strong presence in the toy collectible area. Joshua Izzo will add significantly to that list of innovative thinkers. His long stewardship in the toy arena will be of great value as McFarlane Toys looks to continue our stance as one of the industry leaders. Having worked with so many of the biggest players, and their brands in Hollywood, gives us a new president with valuable inside knowledge of all aspects of branding and toy making. Which makes our future something I am looking forward to!” said Todd McFarlane, Founder & CEO.
“Joshua brings a unique combination of experience across toys, licensing and entertainment, that I believe will be incredibly valuable to McFarlane Toys,” said Stephan Tetrault, Co-owner. “We believe there is still a lot of room for McFarlane to grow, and Joshua’s experience and leadership will be an important part of helping us get there while building on everything that has made the company successful.”
Joshua’s appointment as President marks an important step in McFarlane Toys’ continued evolution as the company builds on its legacy while pursuing new opportunities across toys, collectibles, licensing and entertainment. He will guide the company’s next phase of growth as it continues to expand its business and strengthen its position within the toys and collectibles industry.
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About MCFARLANE TOYS
Founded over 30 years ago by Todd McFarlane, the Grammy- and Emmy-winning producer/director and the creator of Spawn, McFarlane Toys is a global toy company and industry leader and innovator. As a design-driven company known for unparalleled attention to detail, McFarlane has set the bar in the action figure category. Headquartered in Tempe, Arizona, McFarlane has offices in Los Angeles, Las Vegas and Montreal.
