After nearly three decades leading one of the toy industry’s most recognized companies, Judd Zebersky officially stepped down as CEO of Jazwares on March 20, 2026. David Neustein, who served as Chief Operating Officer for the previous 14 years, assumed the role on March 23, capping a carefully managed leadership transition.
Zebersky’s departure closes a chapter that began in 1997, when he left his law practice and traveled to China to learn toy manufacturing from scratch. The company he built from that foundation now employs approximately 1,400 people and moves products through distribution networks spanning more than 100 countries.
A Portfolio Built Through Deals
Jazwares established early credibility through licensed toys tied to entertainment franchises. Minecraft, Sonic the Hedgehog, and Fortnite all appeared in the catalog as the company expanded its retail footprint. Acquisitions proved equally critical to the growth story. Wicked Cool Toys joined Jazwares in 2019, adding Pokémon to the brand mix. The 2020 purchase of Kellytoy brought Squishmallows, the soft plush line that went on to become a cultural touchstone.
Squishmallows caught fire on TikTok, attracted celebrity attention from names including Lady Gaga and Kim Kardashian, and moved more than 100 million units in a single year. Individual toys retailed between $5 and $30, making them accessible enough to drive mass-market adoption at an extraordinary pace. Alleghany Capital Corporation supported the company’s growth through a 2014 investment and a 2016 majority stake acquisition. Berkshire Hathaway inherited the connection through its 2022 purchase of Alleghany.
Recognition and Giving Back
The scale of Jazwares’ growth earned external recognition. The company appeared on TIME’s Most Influential Companies list and earned honors from Fast Company and Fortune. Judd Zebersky personally received the South Florida Business Journal’s Ultimate CEOs award in 2024 and appeared on The Business Report’s Top 50 Entrepreneurs list in 2023.
Philanthropy ran alongside business success throughout Zebersky’s tenure. He established Jazwares Cares at the company’s founding, directing millions of donated toys to children’s hospitals, Title I schools, and nonprofits including Toys for Tots and Make-A-Wish. He and his family also contributed $2 million to Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital. Refer to this article for related information.
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