APPOINTMENTS Industry moves
This month, a number of top UK toy firms make senior management shuffles, Toystate sees a flurry of appointments, Mookie welcomes a new director, Disney promotes Philips, and more…
LEGO n FIONA WRIGHT has become general manager at LEGO UK. Previous country
manager DREW BRAZER will resume his original role as VP sales for LEGO US. Wright (pictured)will
now be responsible for the total sales function in the territory, which accounts for some of the LEGO Group's largest customer base and global retail turnover.
Since 2000 Wright has
enjoyed spells as brand director, national account director, marketing director and head of sales. Prior to joining LEGO, Wright worked for Disney, Hasbro and Kelloggs.
GOLDEN BEAR n Golden Bear has completed a senior management reshuffle. BARRY HUGHES (right)
is now general manager, while CHRISTINE NICHOLLS becomes vice chairman. Hughes will have the
responsibility of managing the business and will report in directly to chairman JOHN HALES. Nicholls, co-founder of the business, will become vice chairman and retain responsibility for design and product development. Hales said: "I believe the
restructure of our senior roles will give the company added impetus to tackle the challenges that lie ahead and an
economic situation that is difficult for the entire industry."
Golden Bear has made other changes to its staff. KATE O'LEARY has been hired as marketing director, while PAUL MABBS becomes senior national account manager and LORNA BENNETT becomes national account manager.
TOYSTATE n The company has revealed ambitious growth plans for 2013. Staff changes include the appointment of LAIBOND CHENG as SVP international sales, as well as the promotion of WILL COLEBURN to president of global sales and marketing. The firm – which
She said: "We are
focused on driving forward the business to deliver another double digit growth year in 2013.” Outgoing Brazer
oversaw growth of 21 per cent in 2011 and 12 per cent through to November 2012, according to NPD.
manufactures licensed and highly-stylised lights and sound vehicles – will be welcoming customers to its new Hong Kong showroom in January. As part of its European
expansion plans it will be exhibiting at Nuremberg in February.
MOOKIE n DAVID FOGEL has joined outdoor toy company Mookie as new business director. Fogel has extensive
experience in the toy trade, having been involved with Hamleys and Toy Stack. "It's great to have someone on board with David's experience, particularly his knowledge and insight from a retailer's perspective," commented GUY ORR, director at Mookie. "This appointment will undoubtedly enable us to understand our retailers' requirements much better."
DISNEY n The firm has appointed SIMON PHILIPS as general manager of
consumer products EMEA. In his previous role, as
president of Marvel Entertainment International, Philips was responsible for targeting new businesses, and growing and increasing penetration of Marvel's existing businesses in EMEA, Latin America and Asia Pacific.
GREEN BOARD GAMES n Green Board Games has hired LANCE THOMPSON as national
account manager. Lance moved into sales
at Cartamundi nine years ago, getting five years experience in toy sales under his belt before moving to Spin Master as a national account manager for a further four years.
WINNING MOVES n Winning Moves has hired DAVID RIPLEY as its new chief operating officer to support the company's push into new products, licences and territories. The new role will cover
general operations, supply chain capability, product sourcing and online trading. Ripley brings 15 years commercial experience to Winning Moves. He has previously held a variety of commercial leadership roles at both Tesco and Woolworths, and has also recently completed a three and a half year assignment as a senior member of the commercial team at London 2012.
"I am delighted to be joining a great team of people at Winning Moves, as the company enters an exciting period of growth and significant range development," said Ripley.
DKL n CAROLE COUPLAND has joined the firm as a new sales agent. She will manage the Northern area. Coupland will be selling all of the firm's ranges – including Hama Beads, Corolle Dolls, Wonderworld Wooden Toys, Miniland Educational and Velcro Kids Creative Play range. DAVID ALLAN, sales
director, said: "Carole will be a great asset to the sales team as she has experience in selling quality brands, and she has built a wonderful trust with her customers."
BRANDMANIA n Sports merchandise company Footballmania has set up a new division, Brandmania, which will focus on new character licensed merchandise.
Its UK team has been
strengthened with the addition of MARK MCDONNELL as head of sales. He has previously worked for ZAP, HY- Pro and MUML. ADRIAN MAYES has also joined the team as commercial manager and will be responsible for key national accounts, marketing and licensing. Mayes has previously worked at Smoby and Golden Bear.
14 December/January
www.toynews-online.biz
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