This month ToyNews welcomes a new Deputy Editor to its team, Gemma International makes two hires and Rainbow Designs bolsters its sales team…
The ToyNews editorial team has been boosted with the appointment of Dominic Sacco as deputy editor. Sacco joined
Intent Media in February 2010 as staff writer on MCV. He takes over from Katie Roberts – who is taking up a new role outside of ToyNews’ publisher Intent Media - and made his debut at Toymaster. He joins the existing team of Samantha Loveday (editor), Lisa Carter (managing editor), Lewis Tyler (staff writer) and Emily Briggs (sales manager). ToyNews’ managing editor, Lisa
Carter, said: “I am delighted to welcome Dominic to ToyNews. He brings with him solid experience in trade journalism from his time on MCV and will be a fantastic addition to the team. He will play a key role going forward as we introduce a number of exciting new developments in both print and online.”
Gemma
International has hired Caroline Weaver as marketing manager and Sarah McNicholl as customer projects manager. Weaver joins as
marketing manager with over eight years’ experience of building and
developing brands. Her most recent stint was at Carte Blanche. She commented: “It’s great to be joining this successful team at such an exciting time for the company.” Sarah McNicholl joins from UK Greetings where she worked for over 11 years on customer operations and brokerage partnerships. She will be looking at customer service, sales support, category management and brokerage.
Beverley Jones has joined Rainbow Designs to work with independent customers across the midlands. Jones has more
than 27 years’ sales experience including a stint working at TP Activity Toys.
James Mann is set to represent the DKL Marketing brands Hama, Corolle, Wonderworld, Miniland, Mic o
Mic and Velcro Kids lines in his area. Mann will be contacting all his customers directly with information about the ranges.
ThumbsUp has appointed Naomi Dewell as buying manager. She will now work with the ThumbsUp product development team on merchandising initiatives and bringing the new collection to market.
Dewell has joined ThumbsUp from The White Company, as well as having experience working with brands such as The Disney Store, Hamleys and Harrods.
Baby toy specialists Little Bird Told Me has appointed Anja Zurbrugg as UK sales manager. Zurbrugg joins from Smiffy’s and
will manage the company’s existing portfolio of independent retailers, as well as developing a new customer base.
Jakks has welcomed Leigh Anne Brodsky to its board of directors. The former Nickelodeon president and licensing and toy industry veteran boasts a 25-year history in the children’s entertainment and toy industries.