As a Global GM for B2B and B2C business units, Waters has led every facet of an organization, from product development, sales, retail and creative teams, to marketing organizations, supply chain, finance, and HR. He developed a reputation for using the power of brand story-telling to lead major business units to growth for well-known global consumer brands, including Disney and Hasbro. These well-rounded commercial vantage points, coupled with an innate creative approach and digital start-up experience, allow him to apply highly pragmatic approaches to drive growth for mid-sized clients.
Simon and I worked together at Hasbro for over 10 years during which time we helped transform the company from a traditional toy and game manufacturer to a global branded play and entertainment company that developed, launched and managed several highly successful brand franchises. Simon was the chief architect of our rapidly growing Consumer Products licensing business, and also managed several of our global brands. Simon is a highly creative, passionate and engaging leader who has an excellent understanding of how to build global brands and enduring consumer franchises. Throughout his tenure at Hasbro, Simon demonstrated keen intellect and curiosity, as well as a creative, entrepreneurial spirit. He has the maturity of a seasoned executive combined with a seemingly endless energy and passion for creating new business opportunities.
John Frascotti, Retired President, Chief Operating Officer & Board Member, Hasbro Inc.
I have known Simon for more than twenty years. He is a natural, lateral thinker with strongly developed executive ability and experience. This lateral thinking capacity means he sees opportunity in multiple situations and has a unique skill-set for applying these insights to commercial solutions, with expertise in marketing and branding. His leadership and team management skills are a powerful component of this management expertise. The commercial side of his character is complemented by considerable creative skill, as well as his devotion to coaching and charitable fund raising. I can commend Simon Waters to you without reservation.
Sir Stephen O’Brien, Chairman Barts Health Trust, Chairman Mental Health In Society & President of Proshanti
“Simon and I worked closely together at Hasbro for nearly a decade, across the entertainment, franchise, brand and consumer products divisions. As an outstanding leader and partner, Simon’s understanding of consumer behavior, brand building and activation led the divisions we had responsibility for to financial outperformance consistently year over year. As an inspiring creative as well as commercial executive, Simon garnered respect and admiration throughout all divisions of the Organization. Leading by example, Simon’s Team enthusiastically followed him “into battle” to tackle every challenge with gusto, integrity, and with driven purpose at the highest levels of execution. During our tenure at Hasbro, the market cap of the Company grew 3x. Simon was a significant contributor to this impressive growth. Finally, Simon is just an all around, really good guy”.
Stephen Davis, Former EVP, Chief Content Officer and Global Head of the Entertainment and Licensing Segment, Hasbro Inc.