Hasbro 2008 Annual Report Download - page 6

Finally, the execution of our strategy is global in scope, including our increasing efforts in emerging markets – where our
presence is small but growing quickly and our brands resonate with consumers. In 2008, growth in the key emerging
markets we targeted for expansion, i.e., Russia, the Czech Republic, Brazil, Korea, and China, exceeded our expectations
with many of our core brands performing well. Our continued investment in these markets will contribute to our growth
over the next several years as our teams establish Hasbro brands and we leverage the investments made in 2008 as
well as the global expansion of our retail partners.
LEADERSHIP
Our 2008 accomplishments highlight the success of the team’s execution of our strategy, a strategy fi rst envisioned in
2001 with the decision to focus on Hasbro core brands. This decision is one Al Verrecchia, now Chairman of Hasbro’s
Board of Directors, is intimately familiar with. In 2008, after a highly successful run as Hasbro’s President and Chief
Executive Offi cer, Al retired from his day to day role at Hasbro. Al’s dedication to Hasbro’s long-term success and
his commitment to develop strong leadership across the organization enabled a seamless transition not only for the
President and Chief Executive Offi cer role but also for the Chief Operating Offi cer role, which David Hargreaves added to
his existing role as Chief Financial Offi cer. Al has long provided tremendous guidance to Hasbro and as Chairman will
continue to bring his industry knowledge and expertise to our Board.
Hasbro’s Board has also been bolstered this year with the addition of Tracy Leinbach, a former Executive Vice President
and Chief Financial Offi cer for Ryder System, Inc. Tracy brings more than 20 years experience in operational and fi nancial
management positions. Additionally, Hasbro benefi ted from the insight and experience of Kenneth Bronfi n, President of
Hearst Interactive Media, who joined the Hasbro Board in early 2008. Ken has been an invaluable resource as we tap
the full potential of our brands as immersive entertainment experiences.
CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
At Hasbro, nothing is more important than the safety and well-being of the children who enjoy our products. Corporate
social responsibility is the responsibility that we, as a global corporation, have to the people that develop, manufacture
and sell our products, the children and families that use our products, and the communities and environment we live and
work in. It is an integral part of how we conduct our business, make decisions, and set our priorities. Our sustainability,
quality and philanthropy efforts are at the center of this responsibility and we encourage you to remain up to date on
these important initiatives via our website, http://www.hasbro.com/corporate/corporate-social-responsibility/.
In closing, our dedication and commitment to our long-term strategy remains the driving force for our global teams.
While the environment may be diffi cult, the opportunity to bring Hasbro brands to new consumers, in new geographies,
via new immersive mediums remains compelling and in 2009 and beyond we will continue to deliver those experiences
with innovation and value that resonate with our consumers and generate long-term value for our shareholders.
Thank you for your continued support of Hasbro and we look forward to sharing our future success with you.
BRIAN GOLDNER
President and Chief Executive Offi cer ALFRED J. VERRECCHIA Chairman of the Board