www.toynews-online.biz INDUSTRY MOVES
This month The In Thing supports growth with six new recruits, Flair makes four promotions, InspirationWorks gets a new UK marketing manager and more…
Pocket Money specialist The In Thing enters the summer period with six new additions to its workforce. This year the
company has increased its staff count from 21 to 29, strengthening its marketing and sales departments. The new head of marketing is Kieran Murphy, who returns in a new position after previously working at the company in 2010. Also joining the department is Ryan Hamilton as marketing executive. Amy Wildsman (pictured) joins as national accounts manager from The Ninja Corporation, along with recently appointed account managers, Carmen Cook, Carole Sutton and Claire Pickering. Murphy said: “Here at The In
Thing, we work in such an exciting, fast-paced environment. It’s a wonderful time to be joining the team, with our own exclusive lines continually growing. We have such strong products joining our portfolio this year.”
GP Flair has named Nic Aldridge (left, top) as its new marketing director. He will be responsible for marketing across all divisions and will work closely with each team’s marketing manager. Aldridge arrived at Flair 12 months ago as senior
marketing manager, bringing with him over ten years of industry experience. He has overseen the launch of Monsuno, Trash Pack and has put together a campaign for the forthcoming Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles refresh due in spring 2013. Flair has also promoted Anne- Marie Noon (above), who becomes boys’ marketing manager having joined the company in 2007 as
product manager. Her team will include newly promoted product manager Andrew Brown (left, top) and Catherine Scott (left, bottom), who moves over from Flair’s marketing services team on July 1st to strengthen the boys division.
Former ToyNews deputy editor Katie Roberts has taken on the role of UK marketing manager at InspirationWorks.
Roberts, who also has a strong track record in communications and PR, will report to recently promoted marketing director, Tracey Devine. “We’re delighted to have Katie on board,” said David Martin, UK director and general manager at InspirationWorks. “She brings a wealth of qualities to the marketing group and I'm sure will be a great addition to the IW team.”
Imagination Games has announced the appointment of Martin Stone as UK sales manager. The former
Mattel, Hasbro and
Spin Master man has 12 years experience in toy sales. Imagination’s managing director David Snow said the hire would help the company grow and expand its business.
Stone said: “It’s awesome to have been given an opportunity like this to set and deliver the sales strategy for such a dynamic company. I am proud to represent Imagination and look forward to showing our new ranges to the trade.”
Stone started work on June 18th and will be getting in touch with retailers soon to discuss this year's product line-up, and to preview the new 2013 range.
Bureau Veritas Consumer Products Services UK has hired Phil Hartley (left) as business development manager.
He brings with him 15 years of
experience in the toy and consumer products industry, having held roles in business development, buying, sourcing and product development positions, working for both brands and importing firms.
Hartley said: “I am looking forward to working in partnership with our UK retail clients and to support them in achieving their goals in terms of product safety, compliance and quality. I believe Bureau Veritas benefits from a strong and innovative portfolio of supply chain risk management solutions that are answering the current needs of the retail market.”
Collectible toy
supplier Glow Europe has appointed Chris Clover as its new brand manager. Clover will be based in Glow
Europe’s London office and will work alongside the newly appointed UK sales director Alexis Venn. He will oversee the launch of Bumpeez in new territories and will manage the appointment of sales agents in international markets. Glow Europe MD, Jeroen Menting, said: “His expertise adds a new dimension to the team and as a key player to the success of Bumpeez in the UK, we’re confident he will help Bumpeez to be a global success.”
Character World has strengthened its team with the promotion of Tim Kilby to brand director. A seven- year veteran of the firm, he will be responsible for brand management, as well as overseeing the marketing and creative divisions of the business. Kilby will report to joint MD, Danny Schweiger.
INTERVIEWING? NOT SURE WHERE TO START?
Call Birchwood to find out more... when it comes to people one size does not fit all. This month a few tips for clients...
Block a period of time out of your diary to do all the first interviews at the same time, much easier to make comparisons.
If you are interviewing in a hotel then get the receptionist onside so that they can assist in the logistics of the session.
Make sure you are fully aware of what you can/cannot ask in interview and plan your questions so you ask all candidates the same core questions.
If you are running an interview session at the office then let other staff members know - speculation is always a huge distraction and often inaccurate.
Give honest, constructive feedback
Remember... everyone is a customer so all candidates should leave the interview with positive feelings about you and the company
*should you be doing this at all? consider your current team before automatically reaching for the new!
Clicking my heels together 3 times and making it happen! I work with individuals and Co's mentoring and facilitating, I am THE recruiter you need to work with
APPOINTMENTS 15
Birchwood Recruitment offers bespoke solutions to finding the right sales and marketing people for the toy sector. 07796 697100,
www.birchwoodrecruit.wordpress.com
JULY 2012
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