TEMPE, AZ — September 8, 2026 — A major leadership change is underway at McFarlane Toys.
The company announced today that Joshua Izzo has been named President of McFarlane Toys, effective immediately. Izzo brings nearly three decades of experience across the toy industry, entertainment, licensing and franchise development as the collectibles company prepares for its next phase of growth.
For collectors, this is more than simply a new name at the top. Izzo’s background includes experience with some of the biggest companies and entertainment franchises in the business.
From Avatar to McFarlane Toys
Izzo joins McFarlane Toys following nearly a decade at James Cameron’s Lightstorm Entertainment, where he most recently served as Executive Vice President.
While at Lightstorm, Izzo helped oversee franchise strategy, new business development and expanded storytelling surrounding the Avatar universe, working across creative, licensing, theatrical and strategic partnerships.
His career also includes positions with 20th Century Fox Consumer Products, Capcom Entertainment, Hasbro and 4Kids Entertainment.
That combination of experience in toys, entertainment and global licensing could become particularly important as McFarlane Toys continues expanding its portfolio of action figures and collectibles.
“I could not be more excited and energized to join this incredibly talented team,” Izzo said. “McFarlane Toys has proven to be an innovative and ground-breaking leader in the toy and collectible space for over thirty years.”
Todd McFarlane Welcomes the Company’s New President
Todd McFarlane will remain Founder and CEO of McFarlane Toys, with Izzo stepping into the President position to help guide the company’s next stage.
McFarlane praised Izzo’s extensive industry experience and believes his background working with major Hollywood brands could prove valuable to the company’s future.
“Joshua Izzo will add significantly to that list of innovative thinkers,” McFarlane said, adding that Izzo’s experience across branding and toy development gives the company valuable knowledge as it moves forward.
McFarlane Toys co-owner Stephan Tetrault also pointed toward the company’s potential for continued expansion, saying there remains “a lot of room for McFarlane to grow.”What Does This Mean for Collectors?
That may ultimately be the biggest question coming out of today’s announcement.McFarlane Toys has built a massive presence in the modern collectibles market, and Izzo arrives with extensive experience in exactly the areas that can help a toy company expand: licensing, franchise management, entertainment partnerships and brand development.
Whether his appointment eventually leads to new licenses, expanded product categories, deeper entertainment partnerships or other changes remains to be seen. But bringing an executive with Izzo’s résumé into the President position sends a clear signal that McFarlane Toys is looking toward its next stage of growth.For collectors, McFarlane Toys just entered a new era.
Plastiq News will continue following the company to see what Joshua Izzo’s appointment means for McFarlane Toys, its licenses and, most importantly, the collectors buying the figures.
New leadership. New possibilities. More plastic on the horizon.
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