APPOINTMENTS
Industry moves This month, Bandai promotes Amy Davolls, iGen gains a new MD and insight executive, while Mattel taps a new creative director. Elsewhere, Bladez Toyz features as our Team of the Month, revealing who the office joker is TEAM OF THE MONTH: BLADEZ TOYZ Who’s in the team? We have Iain Morgan, CEO, Emma Costello, operations director, Daniel Abdelmassih, product development director, Bonnie Knight, shipping and logistics manager, Sarah Morgan, fulfilment officer, Beth Oliver, customer service and shipping admin, Keiran Peoples, national accounts manager, Beth Jobber, UK key accounts manager and Jess Jackson, sales administrator. We also have Tom Cane, product development manager, Jim Davey, product development manager, Billy Nicholson, junior graphic designer, James Bruton, master innovation design engineer, John Pu, production
Bandai n The company is boosting its sales team with the promotion of AMY DAVOLLS to the position of head of sales. Davolls first joined the toy firm in 2000, and has held numerous roles in operations and sales over the past 16 years. Davolls said: “I am delighted to step up to the role as Bandai begins a very exciting phase. “I am looking forward to driving our business and working with our customers.”
12 May
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manager, Chris Burt, product development manager, Rachael Hughes, accountant and Steph Parr, finance admin. What have the last 12 months been like? We have had huge success with our RC Inflatable Minions and Star Wars characters; the release of both movies in 2015 saw demand for our products soar. What’s your favourite part of working in the toy industry? The people – this industry is great fun all year around. What are some of the challenges you face?
iGen Insight n This month the company is welcoming MAXINE FOX as its new MD (pictured). Prior to her new role, Fox held the position of associate director at iGen. Dean Weller, CEO of iGen, said: ”This promotion is in reflection of Maxine’s transformative leadership within the company, accelerating the agency’s offering and standing within the kids, youth and family insight space.” In addition, MONIKA GORASIA is joining iGen as the firm’s new insight executive. Mattel n Mattel has revealed that designer JONATHAN ADLER will be joining the
At this time of year we are focusing on planning production and arranging shipments for the year, and there are nearly always problems in this area. What are you working on now? We are working on our new preschool licensed lines, including Teletubbies and Peppa Pig.
firm as creative director for its Fisher-Price brand. Adler will be responsible for designing baby furniture, apparel and toys for Fisher-Price, with his first premium priced collection set to launch in September. Prior to his new role, Adler created collections for retailers including Barneys in New York. Hasbro n The firm has revealed that GREG LEEDS is stepping down from his position as president of Wizards of the Coast, and will be replaced by CHRIS COCKS. Cocks (pictured) will start his role on June 6th, having formerly served roles as VP of OEM technical sales at Microsoft and VP of educational games at LeapFrog.
We’re also working on some top secret, licensed lines for 2017. Who’s the office joker? Has to be Iain, our CEO. He’s always pulling pranks. Who makes the best cuppa? Got to be Rach, she’s always on the first cuppa of the day.
John Frascotti, president of Hasbro Brands, said: “I’m confident Chris is the right person to help us build on the tremendous momentum around our brands and take the franchise to the next level.” PMS International Group n This month, PMS International has named RUTH LEONARD as the company’s new head of brand and licensing. In her new role, Leonard will be responsible for marketing the firm’s existing licences and managing the development of a new licensing and marketing strategy. Leonard said: “I am so excited to get my teeth into such a wonderful role, the opportunity at PMS International is staggering, offering a world of opportunity.”
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4/20/16 17:28