By Lacie Blankenship
Jeremy Padawer (MBA’01), Chief Brand Officer at Jazwares, will deliver the keynote address at the 2025 Commencement for Vanderbilt Owen Graduate School of Management on May 9.
Jeremy Padawer (MBA’01)
“We are honored to have Jeremy Padawer speak at this year’s commencement ceremony. As a unicorn founder, Jeremy’s entrepreneurial success is a testament to passion for the toy industry, his creativity, and his willingness to take on risk and push through difficult times. We look forward to hearing his insights as we celebrate the Class of 2025,” says Tom Steenburgh, Ralph Owen Dean, Vanderbilt Owen Graduate School of Management.
In his current role, Padawer serves as Chief Brand Officer at Jazwares, a leading global toy manufacturer with an award-winning portfolio of wholly owned and licensed brands. Jazwares engages consumers through innovative play experiences with popular brands like Squishmallows, Pokémon, Star Wars, Fortnite, Hello Kitty, and many more.
Before joining Jazwares, Padawer co-founded Wicked Cool Toys, a company sold in 2019 to Jazwares and Alleghany Capital, which was later acquired by Berkshire Hathaway in 2022. Prior to that, Padawer served as EVP of Jakks Pacific (2003-2013), COO of Jakks Pacific/Dentsu JV Pacific Animation Partners (2011-2013), Brand Manager at Mattel (2001-20013), and founded JMP (1996-2000), an early internet startup focused on hit aggregation. Padawer earned his MBA from Vanderbilt University in 2001, a JD from the University of Tennessee in 1999, and a BA from the University of Texas in 1996.
Padawer has long been a generous supporter of emerging talent and budding entrepreneurs within the Vanderbilt community. In 2023, Padawer established the Jeremy Padawer Scholarship for Entrepreneurial Students, awarded to deserving Vanderbilt Business students pursuing creative and innovative business endeavors. Since 2023, Padawer has also generously served on the Vanderbilt Business Alumni Board and, over the years, has given back to the community in various capacities. Most recently, Padawer spoke on a panel of Vanderbilt unicorn founders at the inaugural Convoy Conference.
“Speaking at the 2025 Vanderbilt Business Commencement feels like a full-circle moment for me. This school gave me the tools to pursue my passions, and the relationships I made here have served as the foundation for my career,” says Padawer. “It’s an honor to be part of such a special ceremony, and I’m excited to see what the Class of 2025 will build.”
The 2025 Owen Graduate School of Management Commencement Ceremony will start at 11:00 a.m. on May 9 at the Vanderbilt Recreation and Wellness Center and Field House. Graduates should arrive by 10:30 a.m. to line up.
