Appointments
Industry moves With peak trading time on the approach, toy firms are suring up their teams for the winter. This month sees CEO changes at Vivid and Hornby among a slew of new hires across the industry at firms including Character and Flair Hornby
Vivid Vivid Toy Group has named a new CEO in the form of former Leapfrog exec, TONY HICKS. Hicks will step into the post at the firm’s UK headquarters on September 11th, replacing ERIC ROSSI who will step down from his role for family reasons to remain in France. “I’d like to thank Eric for the significant contribution he has made to Vivid in his five years at the company. We wish him all the best for the future,” said VARDHAN RAJKUMAR, chairman of Vivid. Hicks brings over 22 years of experience to the role, having served roles in such companies as Carlsberg, Molson Coors and Leapfrog, delivering growth strategies in a wide variety of regions including Europe, Asia and North America.
CEO of Hornby Hobbies, STEVE COOKE is to step down as the firm begins a strategic review. Since Phoenix Asset Management took control of the company earlier this year, the shareholder has spearheaded a turnaround plan to help boost Hornby’s growth. The departure was ‘mutually agreed’ and will see Cooke remaining as CEO for a transitional period with announcement for the firm’s new CEO to follow. Flair GP Flair has announced a slew of staff changes in its sales and marketing divisions, starting with former Cartoon Network exec EMMANUELLE CADET, who has been named the firm’s new head of marketing. Elsewhere, both MANDY VICTORY and MARK ASHURST will be taking on bigger roles and more responsibility as joint head of sales reporting directly to Nicola. Character GUY ROONEY has joined Character in the role of senior account manager. "His drive and ambition, not to mention his valuable
retailer relationships, makes him the perfect man for the job," said DAVID BRAMFORD, sales director at Character Options. The firm also announced its finance director MARK DOWDING has stepped down, with immediate effect. Jumbo After two years at the helm, Jumbo MD, STEWART MIDDLETON is departing the company for pastures new. Following Middleton's departure STEVE WASHBOURNE (pictured) has been promoted to UK sales director, in a move that aims to strengthen the firm for further growth. A statement released by Jumbo reads: “We would like to thank Stewart for his great work and are looking forward to continuing the company’s growth into the Q4 period and into 2018, under the leadership of Steve Washbourne." The Entertainer The Entertainer has appointed a new commercial director in the form of JOHN DRISCOLL. Driscoll boasts experience with Marks and Spencer, and reail consultancy firm, Accenture before spending nine years at Tesco where he has overseen the toy category since 2014.
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