The toy companies made the inaugural Time100 list, along with entertainment heavyweights Roblox, Epic Games and Disney.
Toy giants Mattel and The Lego Group both feature in the first ever list of the Time100 Most Influential Companies in the World.
The list highlights 100 businesses worldwide that are making an extraordinary impact around the globe, split into five categories – Pioneers, Leaders, Innovators, Titans and Disruptors.
Mattel was among the Leaders with Time citing that the company behind some of the world’s most iconic toy brands, including Barbie and Hot Wheels, had fared very well during the pandemic, with its 2020 online sales up 50%.
The company said on LinkedIn that it was “thrilled” to be part of the list, adding: “For over 75 years, Mattel has been creating innovative products and experiences that inspire, entertain and develop children through play. We’re proud that our innovation continues.”
The Lego Group was included in the Innovators category with Time highlighting the company’s 21% jump in sales during the Covid-19 lockdowns. It stated: “While its flagship product remains the classic brick, the 88-year-old family-owned company is evolving to recognise the diverse needs of young consumers with new offerings like Lego Braille Bricks and pandemic-inspired online content and hybrid learning resources.”
Commenting on LinkedIn, The Lego Group said: “We’re proud to share that we’re one of the companies recognised for making an “extraordinary impact around the world.”
The organisations in the list come from a wide range of sectors including health care, entertainment and transportation, and were evaluated for key factors, including relevance, impact, innovation, leadership, ambition and success.
Big names from the entertainment sector also featured in the inaugural list including online gaming heavyweights Roblox (Pioneers) and Epic Games (Innovators), and Disney (Titans) which was praised for its streaming service Disney +.
You can see the complete 2021 Time100 Most Influential Companies list at time.com/100companies
