At Jazwares, Michael Rinzler serves as Executive Vice President and Partner, overseeing Blue J, a division of Jazwares that focuses on blue sky concepts that create a pipeline of new business opportunities, intellectual properties, and product innovation.  In his role, Michael collaborates with world-class inventors to identify new product concepts, technologies, and white space opportunities.  Additionally, he works closely with the entertainment community to develop break frame content that supports Jazwares owned intellectual properties as well as new brands in development.  Michael also helps oversee the company’s M&A, looking at opportunities to build on Jazwares’ progressive growth approach through strategic acquisitions. 

A toy industry expert, Michael joined Jazwares in 2019 after selling the company he founded, Wicked Cool Toys, to Jazwares. He launched his career in the toy business in 1993 and held positions at various toy companies including MGA Entertainment, Mattel, Playmates, and Jakks Pacific.  Michael’s career trajectory culminated as President of CDI, an acquisition of Jakks Pacific, before starting Wicked Cool Toys in 2012.  

A kid at heart, Michael has created an impact on some of the most iconic and beloved play and entertainment brands in the industry, including Pokémon, Squishmallows, Cabbage Patch Kids, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Disney Princess, Hot Wheels, to name a few.  

Michael has a B.A. from Washington University and an M.B.A. from The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania. He is very active within the toy industry and currently serves on the Toy Association Board of Directors, Toy Foundation Board of Trustees, and as an advisor to Women in Toys.   Michael is also a Founders Society member at the Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital.  He and his wife Zyta are active philanthropists in their community, along with daughter Zoe, in support of causes concerning children, animals, and cancer.  

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