Margaret C. Whitman named Playskool general manager.

PAWTUCKET, R.I.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 20, 1997--Margaret C. Whitman has been named general manager of Hasbro Inc.'s (ASE:HAS) Playskool brand effective immediately, it was announced today by Alan G. Hassenfeld, chairman and chief executive officer.

In her new role, Whitman will be responsible for the global management and marketing for one of the world's best-known children's brands. Whitman will report directly to Ginger Kent, president of the company's brands and product development operating group.

"Meg Whitman has a very successful track record, with experience that will be immediately productive in her new role as Playskool's general manager," said Hassenfeld.

Whitman joins Hasbro from Florists' Transworld Delivery (FTD), where she was president and chief executive officer of the world's largest floral distribution company.

While at FTD, Whitman oversaw the transition from a florist-owned associated to a for profit, privately-owned company. She led the rejuvenation of the FTD brand by introducing a new national advertising campaign. Additionally, she oversaw the launch of the FTD Florists OnLine Worldwide Web site that includes individual florists' shops under the broader FTD banner.

Prior to FTD, Whitman was president of the Stride Rite Corp.'s Stride Rite Division, where she was responsible for the launch of the highly successful Munchkins baby shoe line and the relaunch of the Stride Rite brand and retail stores. She had also been executive vice president for the Keds Division, and served as corporate vice president of strategic planning, from 1992 to 1993.

From 1989 to 1992, Whitman served as a senior executive for the Walt Disney Corp., highlighted by her tenure as senior vice president of marketing, consumer products. Whitman also worked for eight years at Bain & Co.'s San Francisco office where she was a vice president.

She began her career at the Procter & Gamble Co. in Cincinnati, where she worked in brand management from 1979 to 1981.

Whitman is a graduate of the Harvard Business School (MBA, 1979) and of Princeton University (BA, Economics, 1977).

Whitman is married and has two children.

Hasbro is a worldwide leader in the design, manufacture and marketing of toys, games, interactive software, puzzles and infant care products. Both internationally and in the U.S., its Playskool, Kenner, Tonka, Milton Bradley, Parker Brothers and Hasbro Interactive products provide children and families with the highest quality and most recognizable toys and games in the world.

CONTACT: Hasbro Inc.,

Wayne S. Charness, 401/727-5983