Industry Moves

An industry specialist with a stellar track record in the toy sector, David Martin is heading up the development of the Curious Universe toy division (established in 2021) within the multi-award-winning Bath based Arts & Crafts, Stationery and Publishing company.

Having spent 18 years at Crayola as part of the senior management team that took the brand to new heights, David continued his career at Inspiration Works (KD Group) and more recently, held senior commercial positions at Funrise and also extended his marketing experience as part of children’s market research companies and independent consulting projects during the Covid pandemic.

“I am delighted to be joining Curious Universe as part of a fast-growing and dynamic team expanding both here in the UK and internationally,” commented David. “What John Styring and his homegrown team have delivered in terms of growth and product innovation in under six years is truly amazing. The company is now almost 90 people strong, and all elements of the business are under one roof, based here the UK. So we’re nimble, creative, flexible to customer requirements and fast to market. It’s truly an honour to be given the opportunity to help set up this new toy division.

Toikido has appointed experienced creative lead, Johnny Taylor, as its new chief creative officer. Johnny will now play a fundamental role in further developing Toikido’s portfolio of in-house IPs, with four new and exciting toy-focused games already in early-stage development and set for release within the next two years.

Johnny commented: “I am so excited to join the team at Toikido. Its philosophy is one that is streamlined, fast moving and ultra-creative. The company has a strong desire to make a massive and needed impact in the entertainment industry. This is something that really resonated with me. It has a highly talented, fun team with a desire to do things differently, and the creative energy here at Toikido is palpable. I couldn’t pass on this amazing opportunity to work with them.”

Darran Garnham, founder and CEO of Toikido, said: “Johnny bleeds the Toikido DNA and is an incredibly creative, passionate and truly genuine person who boasts a proven track record in transforming creative concepts into successful, global IPs, with Moshi Monsters, World of Warriors and the Candy Crush Saga Franchise all prime examples. In joining the business, he will add immediate value on the creative direction for Piñata Smashlings following its official launch this summer, while progressing several other in-house IPs, due to be unveiled from early 2024 onwards. Watch this space.”

Greg Stanton has taken over the marketing, purchasing and quality assurance teams at Asmodee. Forming part of the company’s leadership team, his new title is head of Product – Commercial. This newly created role is part of the latest innovative thinking and planning from Asmodee as the company works to increase its visibility and awareness on the high-street, with the consumer and increasingly with hobbyists and on-line gamers.

Greg has been working with Asmodee for the past three years concentrating on eCommerce within the business and heading up work with Amazon across Europe. His knowledge of retail and sales in general covers almost twenty-five years and takes in retail giants like Mothercare, Kiddicare and, of course, Amazon.

“Historically purchasing and marketing have always wanted to be more integrated,” Greg commented. “Now we are encouraging a wider thinking and a better insight for all, to enhance the brand, product development and retail/consumer offering even more. I am both delighted and privileged to head up such an amazing team of experts and such a fabulous portfolio of brands.” Only a month into the job, Greg has already seen the development of the Dobble brand in to mainstream consumer lifestyle activity, at Thorpe Park, and is planning a number of major initiatives that will see Asmodee games partner with more well-known family brands and offerings.

Diamant Toys/AMAV has announced that Allan Rabie joined the company as head consultant of International Sales, a strategic move intended to strengthen Diamant’s International team.

An industry specialist with a stellar track record in the toy industry, Allan brings 24 years’ experience to the role. He acts as head consultant to the International Sales division of Diamant Toys/AMAV and will mentor the company’s international sales & marketing team.

Diamant Toys/AMAV, an award-winning company, has been operating in the international market for the past 60 years and today sells to over 40 countries worldwide. The company is known for its high standards, premium quality and innovative products. The Glow Pad, invented by Diamant Toys, has sold over 12m units internationally to date. The launch of collectible lines Keypsees and Mermaid Treasures has also been hugely successful for Diamant Toys, alongside the development of bespoke licensed collections for Paw Patrol, CoComelon, Barbie and Gabby’s Dollhouse.

Commenting on the appointment, Asher Diamant, owner of the company, said: “We’re delighted to have Allan on board in such a crucial role. Allan has huge experience and warm relationships within the toy world, and we believe that he will be a tremendous asset in assisting the Diamant Toys/AMAV team moving forward. With strong growth on our leading brands and several new launches planned, 2023 is already proving to be a successful year for Diamant Toys, and having Allan on our advisory team will only heighten that.”

Allan added: “I see the potential in the line: Diamant’s R&D team continues to amaze me, with its innovative mind continually rolling out exciting activities year in, year out. I am excited and I can’t wait to roll my sleeves up and get involved.”

Leading crafting company Craft Buddy has strengthened its management team by appointing ex-Re:creation and Mattel marketer, Jonathan Kirkley, as head of Marketing.

Jonathan will lead the Craft Buddy marketing team on all marketing initiatives across a growing portfolio that includes the popular Crystal Art, Forever Flowerz, Craft Buddy Puzzles and Paint By Numb3rs brands. Crystal Art Buddies, a sub-brand of Crystal Art, was launched last year and is a unique combination of arts and crafts and collectible figures. Series 1 includes Disney, Marvel, Star Wars and L.O.L! Surprise ranges. Following excellent sales from across the globe, the eagerly awaited Series 2 is set for launch in summer this year. Another market first, Craft Buddy’s highly anticipated Disney 100 Crystal Art Sticker Album, has also been slated for a summer launch.

“I am really pleased that Jonathan has decided to join us as head of Marketing,” said Gary Wadhwani, codirector of Craft Buddy. “He has a great track record in the toy industry and joins us at a time of really strong growth. Jonathan has brought with him some great experience, and his appointment will continue the drive to put our brands at the heart of our business.”

Jonathan added: “This is a really exciting time to be joining Craft Buddy. Not only is there a great team in place and an enviable portfolio, there are some truly innovative initiatives and launches in the pipeline which we are very excited about.”

Josh Beevor, the grandson of Orchard Toys founder Keith Harvey, has joined the company as director and key account manager. In his new role, Josh is working with Orchard Toys sales director Simon Prest and reporting into managing director Simon Newbery. His responsibilities ensure he will gain a view of the entire business, from shopper insights to warehousing logistics as well as product design and development to ensure innovative new games and puzzles get to market.

Simon Newbery, managing director at Orchard Toys, said: “We’re delighted Josh is joining us, and excited to see him become a key member of our team and maintain the family involvement.”

Prior to his appointment at Orchard Toys, Josh worked in London and New York. He gained experience in asset management with a year at Aberdeen Asset Management and qualified as a Chartered Accountant. More recently he has spent three years as an accountant with Bandai Namco Holdings.

This is not Josh’s first time working for Orchard Toys, he’s previously done holiday work in the warehouse, packing some of his favourite games – Tummy Ache and Shopping List. Josh commented: “It’s amazing to be here at Orchard Toys, becoming part of a great team, a really strong brand, and contributing to the business I’ve heard so much about for most of my life.”

Orchard Toys started at the kitchen table in Keith Harvey’s home, Orchard House in Plumtree, Nottingham. More than 50 years on, the company remains a privately owned family business, with Keith’s daughter and son-in-law, the owners, playing an active role in the company. Keith, as a non-executive director, continues to take a keen interest in the business.

In line with a series of strategic appointments within the company, industry specialist Nigel will be joining the world’s largest manufacturer and distributor of playing cards and board games as Cartamundi continues to grow across Europe.

An experienced sales management professional with success in building brands, Nigel’s experience includes senior sales positions at Hasbro, Mattel, Bandai and more recently, Creative Kids.

“Nigel joins Cartamundi Entertainment at an exciting time, when we are investing heavily in building and creating teams within our business and are dedicated to creating and bringing our brands to market,” said Javier Berasategui, VP Retail & Gaming EU. “Nigel is a perfect fit for the business and brings a wealth of knowledge to the role as we focus heavily on building strong relationships with key accounts and in particular, the independent trade.”

Nigel said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for me to join Cartamundi, as the company emerges into the market with a driven, creative and ambitious team that has been re-organised to best serve the various markets and retail networks that support our business. I’m excited to strengthen our existing relationships and build new partnerships across the retail landscape with consumer-focused plans that bring our brands to life in store.”

Erica Haythornthwaite, formerly of Orchard Toys and James Galt, brings many years of experience to the Kayes team, which announced a distribution partnership with Orchard in May 2022.

Erica, who announced her retirement from full-time work in January, has decided after four months away from the Toy Trade that the new part-time challenge offered by Kayes will re-kindle her enthusiasm. She looks forward to revisiting the many customers and friends she has made over the years.

Owner Philip Kaye said: “I am delighted that Erica has decided put on her boots and start playing again. She will be a great asset to our team.”

Erica added: “Five days a week doing nothing was far too many for me, so I needed to get back to the coalface. The fact that I can continue to have a link to Orchard Toy Products now via Kayes, after so many enjoyable years, was just the icing on the cake.”

Gibsons has welcomed Gemma Briant as marketing manager, where she’ll be heading up the marketing team to help the family-owned games and puzzles company with its ambitious plans. Previously known for her work at Coiledspring Games, Gemma brings with her a wealth of experience in not only puzzles, but games too, having headed up marketing and product for the company.

Amanda Chaplin, commercial director, commented: “We are delighted to welcome Gemma to the Gibsons team. Her years of experience in the toy industry will help drive our exciting growth plans in the UK and worldwide. The addition of Gemma to the team will allow us to focus our marketing efforts and deliver our strategic goals.”

Gemma added: “I’m overjoyed to be back in world of toys and games, and being an avid puzzler, I’m excited to get stuck in with the impressive portfolio that Gibsons has. With the launch of our trade portal making it easier and more efficient for our retailers to order, alongside our fantastic line up of new releases launching in July, it’s the perfect time to join the team”.