Mike Wood (businessman)
Michael Carleton Wood | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1 September 1952 Willits, California, U.S. |
| Died | 10 April 2025 (aged 72) Zürich, Switzerland |
| Occupation(s) | Attorney, corporate leader |
| Known for | Founder of LeapFrog Enterprises |
Michael Carleton Wood (September 1, 1952 – April 10, 2025) was a prominent American attorney and corporate leader, recognized primarily as the creator of the educational technology and entertainment firm LeapFrog Enterprises, which he directed from its inception in 1995 until 2004.
Early life and education
Wood was born in Willits, California and grew up in Orinda, California. He completed his secondary education at Miramonte High School before obtaining a Bachelor of Arts degree from Stanford University in 1974. Subsequently, he earned an MBA from the Haas School of Business and a Juris Doctor degree from UC Law San Francisco.
Legal practice
Between 1978 and 1991, Wood engaged in corporate law practice at Reed Smith. He then became a partner at the San Francisco office of Cooley LLP, serving there from 1991 to 1994.
Business career
Wood established LeapFrog Enterprises in 1995, introducing its inaugural product, the Phonics Desk, that same year. The company launched the LeapPad device in 1999. In 1997, majority ownership of LeapFrog was acquired by Knowledge Universe, led by Michael Milken and Larry Ellison, integrating it with their Knowledge Kids division. This strategic investment allowed Wood to purchase the company behind the LeapPad prototype and further develop its technology.
On July 25, 2002, LeapFrog conducted its initial public offering (IPO), which nearly doubled in value on its first day—ranking as the most successful IPO that year. Wood held the position of CEO from March 2002 until February 2004 and was vice chairman from September 1997 until his retirement in September 2004. At the time he stepped down, Wood’s annual compensation was $265,000, and he owned approximately 2.7 million shares valued near $54 million.
Following his tenure at LeapFrog, Wood launched SmartyAnts in 2006, an educational entertainment enterprise based in San Rafael, California. Additionally, he contributed as a board member for Sangamo Therapeutics.
Later career
After founding SmartyAnts, Wood dedicated time to volunteering as a reading instructor at a school close to his home in Mill Valley, California, focusing on students facing socioeconomic challenges.
Personal life and death
Wood married Susan Cotter in 1985; the couple had one son named Mat. After their divorce, he married Leslie Harlander in 2021.
Battling Alzheimer's disease later in life, Wood chose assisted suicide and passed away in Zürich on April 10, 2025, aged 72. He was surrounded by family members at the time of his death.
Honors
In August 2024, Wood was selected as a nominee for induction into the Toy Industry Hall of Fame for 2025 by the Toy Association.
External links
- 1952 births
- 2025 deaths
- Deaths from Alzheimer's disease
- People from Willits, California
- People from Orinda, California
- People from Mill Valley, California
- Miramonte High School alumni
- Haas School of Business alumni
- University of California College of the Law, San Francisco alumni
- American lawyers
- American business executives
- LeapFrog Enterprises