2026 Wharton Graduation Speakers

Wharton MBA Program for Executives Graduation Ceremony

Saturday, May 16, 2026

Keynote Speaker

Ikdeep Singh, WG’07

Global President
Mars Pet Nutrition

Since May 2022, Ikdeep has served as Global President of Mars Pet Nutrition, leading the $14B consumer enterprise across 130+ markets, with accountability for strategy, portfolio shaping, capital allocation, talent, and enterprise performance. Ikdeep is a steward of the business for the long term – balancing growth, margin, and investment – while ensuring Mars Pet Nutrition’s portfolio of beloved billion dollar brands – PEDIGREE, SHEBA, IAMS, TEMPTATIONS, CESAR – remain trusted and culturally relevant in everyday consumer choices.

Ikdeep joined Mars in August 2020 as Mars Pet Nutrition’s Regional President for North America, the largest market for the Pet Nutrition business. Under his leadership, the business saw its largest growth momentum thanks to a focus on digital transformation, prioritizing innovation, and leveraging data.  He put significant importance on supporting Associates with a diverse, inclusive work culture, and building strategic partnerships with key customers.

Prior to joining Mars, Ikdeep spent six years at the L’Oréal Group, where he served as President working across Consumer Products and Luxury divisions in North America. Before that, Ikdeep spent 14 years at Procter and Gamble.

A transformational and purpose-driven leader, Ikdeep brings a truly global perspective to leadership having lived in six countries, including the U.S. and China, and is fluent in six languages. A member of the WSJ CEO Council, Ikdeep also provides perspective on the industry through features in Fortune and Fast Company. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering from Dalhousie University, Canada and an MBA from The Wharton School at The University of Pennsylvania.  He lives in London, UK with his wife and children.

Wharton Undergraduate Graduation Ceremony

Sunday, May 17, 2026

Keynote Speaker

Ynon Kreiz, PAR‘26

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
Mattel, Inc

Ynon Kreiz is Chairman and CEO of Mattel, a leading global play and family entertainment company and owner of one of the most iconic brand portfolios in the world including Barbie, Hot Wheels, Fisher-Price, UNO, American Girl, and Thomas & Friends.

Mr. Kreiz has led a multi-year transformation strategy at Mattel, extending its brands into film, television, short-form content, consumer products, digital games, live events and experiences, and publishing.

Under Mr. Kreiz’s leadership, the company’s first movie, “Barbie,” became a cultural phenomenon, achieving the largest global box-office in 2023 and becoming Warner Bros. highest-grossing movie of all time. The Barbie movie was nominated for eight Academy Awards, including Best Picture, and received the Oscar for Best Original Song. Mattel has a robust movie slate in development with “Masters of the Universe” and “Matchbox,” premiering globally in 2026.

During Mr. Kreiz’s tenure, Mattel has been recognized for its achievements in workplace culture and employee wellbeing by Forbes, Time, Fast Company, the Healthiest 100 Workplaces in America, and the Great Place to Work Institute.

Mr. Kreiz has extensive experience as a corporate leader in the media and entertainment industry. Prior to joining Mattel, he was Chairman and CEO of Maker Studios, a global leader in short-form video content and one of YouTube’s largest multichannel networks. Maker Studios was acquired by The Walt Disney Company in 2014.

Prior to Maker Studios, Mr. Kreiz was Chairman and CEO of the Endemol Group, the world’s largest independent television production company and owner of major programming franchises including Big Brother and Deal or No Deal.

Before Endemol, Mr. Kreiz was a General Partner at Balderton Capital (formerly Benchmark Capital Europe), one of the leading early-stage startup investors in Europe.

Prior to Balderton, Mr. Kreiz co-founded Fox Kids Europe NV where he served as Chairman and CEO. Under his leadership, Fox Kids became one of the fastest-growing pay TV channels in Europe and the Middle East. The majority ownership of Fox Kids Europe NV was acquired by The Walt Disney Company in 2002.

Mr. Kreiz received a BA degree in Economics and Management from Tel Aviv University and an MBA from UCLA Anderson School of Management. He serves on the Board of Directors of Warner Music Group, and is a member of Business Roundtable and the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences Executive Branch. Mr. Kreiz was named in 2024 one of TIME’s 100 Most Influential People in the World.

Wharton MBA Graduation Ceremony

Sunday, May 17, 2026

Keynote Speaker

David Solomon

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc.

David is Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer of The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc.

Previously, he served as the firm’s President and Chief Operating Officer from January 2017 to September 2018. Prior to that, he was Co-Head of the Investment Banking Division from July 2006 to December 2016, and earlier in his career, he was Global Head of the Financing Group. He joined Goldman Sachs as a partner in 1999.

David is Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Hamilton College. He also serves on the boards of The Robin Hood Foundation, New York-Presbyterian Hospital, the Paley Center for Media and the US Olympic & Paralympic Foundation.

David earned a BA in Political Science from Hamilton College.