news Newsinbrief
Threepipe Communications and Blowfish Digital are merging to offer clients a fully-integrated service that recognises how digital media, search, social media, earned media, content and data need to interact to engage audiences and deliver commercial results. The new agency, Threepipe, has a combined team of 50, with specialists across a range of disciplines.
Gerald Storch is to step down as chief executive of Toys R Us USA after a disappointing Christmas period saw falling sales for the group. The departure is said to be a “mutual decision” between Mr Storch and the board, which is looking for Mr Storch’s successor.
obituaries
Chris Protheroe, CPLG’s president and group managing director, passed away peacefully on 28th December 2012 aged 54, after losing his battle with cancer. Chris was a well-known and much-loved personality in the licensing industry. He spent his early years working for BBC Worldwide, Marvel, Yorkshire TV, Penguin Books and Sony Signatures. In July 1999, Chris joined CPLG as head of sport, managing the licensing programmes for Euro 2000 and FIFA World Cup 2002, and continued to grow CPLG’s sports division. In recognition of his successful growth of CPLG’s sports business, Chris was promoted to CPLG’s president and group managing director in 2010. Chris will be remembered fondly for his warmth and sense of humour. His death is a sad loss for his family, friends and colleagues.
industrymoves
The Giochi Preziosi Group has appointed Simon Hedge as MD of the Group’s UK division, GP Flair. The promotion sees Hedge promoted from SVP sales and marketing and taking overall responsibility of the Group’s UK subsidiary. As one of the founding members of the original Cheam-based company, alongside Peter Brown and Carl Moran, the announcement has been welcomed by all members of the Flair team. Simon said: “It is with great enthusiasm that I take on this new role, especially as Flair has been an important part of my life for many years. I am also delighted to be working alongside many of the original company members, without whom the task of growing the company still further and increasing its position in the sector would be a much more difficult challenge.” Peter Brown, chairman of GP Flair, added: “It is with considerable pride that I have been able to accompany Simon on his journey from commercial director and founding member of Flair Leisure Products to being the managing director of GP Flair, the UK subsidiary of one of the largest toy companies in the world. I think I can speak for everyone here in wishing him every success in his new role.”
number of sales and trade marketing roles. Mega also welcomes two new faces to the central marketing team. Reporting to Mary Price (senior director, International), Daniel Davis (middle) joined the team as digital marketing manager. Daniel has a wealth of retail experience and has spent the last four years at Argos in e-commerce and marketing roles. Daniel also has marketing experience gained from his time at both Homebase and Dixons. Hannah Fairhurst (left) has joined as marketing assistant. Hannah, a recent graduate in international business and French, joins Mega following a six-month internship. Hannah will be working directly with European marketing manager Peter Fuller and will also support Mega Brands’ design department.
Mega Brands UK has announced that Kerry Rimmer (far right) has joined its UK team as general national accounts manager, responsible for the UK sales team, reporting directly to Dave Martin (VP, International). Kerry joins Mega Brands from her role at Mattel and prior to that she built up experience through a
16 Toyworld
Tomy Europe has added a new member to its agriculture division based in Exeter. James Gothard joins the marketing team as sales and marketing coordinator for the Britains and John Deere brands, taking over from Sally Inchley (currently on maternity
leave). With a sound marketing background, James will primarily be responsible for supporting the agriculture division from both a marketing and sales perspective. James will have a key role in the planning and organisation of trade fairs as well as assisting with the production of product catalogues and the creation of packaging and marketing material. James will also liaise directly with external agencies, as well as playing a role in the development of marketing campaigns, and fully supporting the OEM programmes.
Hornby has announced the appointment of Nick Stone as its new finance director. Nick, formerly financial director at software and consultancy group KBC Advanced technologies, will replace Andrew
Roy Williams, former head of BBC Licensing, has sadly passed away; he was a well-respected member of the industry. Roy was in charge from the mid-sixties until the early eighties, creating the idea of BBC Licensing and was one of the pioneers of the industry. He made hits of licences such
as The Magic Roundabout, Basil Brush and Postman Pat, as well as BBC stalwarts like Doctor Who. He moved to Woodland Animation after the BBC, which became part of Copyrights.
Nonek Jacobson passed away on 5th January 2013 peacefully in his sleep aged 96. Nonek started the Heaton Paper Company in 1947. It was one of the original companies to show at the first Harrogate Toy Fair, which led to more business as well as exhibiting at the Nuremberg Toy Fair. The company grew in strength, with Nonek’s two sons Danny and Mark joining the business in the 1970s, and Nonek retiring in 1992. In 2007 the company closed mainly due to the loss of
British manufacturing being competitive, the changing marketplace and reluctance on the company’s part to be just another importer.
Stakelum Office Supplies has joined Toymaster You can contact Stakelum Office Supplies at: Stakelum Office Supplies Parnell Street, Thurles, Co Tipperary, Ireland Telephone: 00 353 504 21888
Brainstorm has appointed Bertelli Communications to handle the consumer launch of its Aqua Dragons range, the first time the company has used an external PR agency.
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