Jazwares founder and CEO Judd Zebersky will step down from the global toy company on March 20, 2026, marking the end of a nearly 30-year tenure that transformed a startup into a leading global consumer products enterprise. The transition comes as the Plantation, Florida-based company approaches its 30th anniversary, with a strengthened market position and expanded product categories.
David Neustein, who has served as Chief Operating Officer for 14 years, will assume the CEO role. The planned succession reflects what Judd Zebersky described as a company foundation that is "stronger than ever," with robust infrastructure in place to support continued growth across toys, plush, licensed products, and costumes.
From Legal Practice to Toy Industry Leadership
Judd Zebersky left his legal practice in 1997 to pursue building a toy company, driven by passion for pop culture that began in childhood. After earning a BBA from University of Massachusetts Amherst and JD from University of Miami School of Law, he spent the company's early years traveling to factories in China to master manufacturing processes, design techniques, and production engineering.
The hands-on approach paid off. Jazwares is now a leading top 10 toy company with a robust portfolio of owned and licensed brands including Squishmallows, Pokémon, Star Wars, and Hello Kitty. The company now employs 1,400 people and distributes products in approximately 100 countries.
His wife Laura joined Jazwares in 2005 following a 13-year career as a trial attorney, eventually becoming President and Chief Commercial Officer. The couple will both depart on the same March date, with Judd Zebersky noting they have "complete confidence in David's leadership and vision as Jazwares enters its next chapter."
Strategic Acquisitions and Platform Expansion
The company's growth trajectory accelerated through calculated acquisitions. After Alleghany Capital Corporation took an initial stake in 2014 and majority interest in 2016, Jazwares pursued strategic deals including Kellytoy in 2020, which brought Squishmallows into the portfolio, and Wicked Cool Toys in 2019.
Recognition accumulated during Zebersky's leadership. The company earned spots on TIME's Most Influential Companies list, Fast Company's Best Workplaces for Innovators, and Fortune's Best Workplaces in Manufacturing & Production. Judd Zebersky personally received honors including South Florida Business Journal's Ultimate CEOs in 2024 and inclusion in The Business Report's Top 50 Entrepreneurs of 2023.
Philanthropy remained central to operations. Judd Zebersky established Jazwares Cares at the company's inception, creating infrastructure for toy donations, school support programs, and community partnerships. The Zeberskys personally contributed $2 million to Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital and are large supporters of Make-A-Wish Southern Floridas.
In their joint statement, the Zeberskys expressed gratitude to employees, partners, licensors, retailers, and Berkshire Hathaway for support throughout their tenure. The transition positions Neustein to lead Jazwares through its next phase of category expansion and international growth, building on the platform Judd Zebersky spent nearly three decades constructing.
