PEOPLE
NEWS MGA Entertainment names new marketing director
Brothers receive
Golden Teddy Awards The BTHA (British Toy & Hobby Association) recently presented two Golden Teddy Awards to brothers Paul and Mark Collinson, at a special ‘Northern Toy Boys’ event held in Harrogate, North Yorkshire, where they are based. Launched in 2001, the Golden Teddy Awards were created to reward individuals who have served the toy industry for more than 15 years. They are designed to ‘recognise ordinary people with extraordinary talents, who go over and above expectations’. Winners are announced by the BTHA at special events up to three times a year. Nominees need a proposer and a seconder, and all nominations are considered on their merits by a BTHA committee, which considers nominees who possess a degree of
‘niceness, honesty and integrity’. Nominees can work in any sector of the toy industry, in any capacity. Paul and Mark have worked in the toy industry for more than 40 years and have represented companies including Funko and VTech. They were described by their proposers and seconders as loyal, well principled, highly respected by all they work with and ‘true unsung heroes of the industry’. Mark said: “We are both truly humbled to receive our BTHA Golden Teddy Awards. It’s not like us to shout about our work, but we are at the end of our careers now and have been proud to work as part of this ever-changing but amazing industry over many years. Thank you to the BTHA for this special recognition.”
Toys R Us names first senior hire in UK Toys R Us has announced its first senior appointment in the UK. Mike Coogan has joined the retailer as marketing and e-commerce director. With 27 years of experience within the former Toys R Us UK operation, his role includes the development and management of ecommerce and marketing teams. Mike will be assisting Toys R Us and Babies R Us to establish UK operations over coming weeks. Dr Louis Mittard, CEO and managing director of Toys R Us ANZ, said: “Mike brings an intimate understanding of the Toys R Us and Babies R Us brands within the UK toy and baby retail context, and a track record for driving growth and maximising return on investment.” Recently, Dr Louis Mittard talked to TnP about plans for Toys R Us and Babies R Us to return to the UK in 2022, with dedicated websites in the first phase. The company is in discussions with a large number of existing and new employees, suppliers and service partners and has a dedicated ‘Supplier Expression of Interest’ page set up for potential partners to register their interest at http://eepurl.com/ hL38FL
14
MGA Entertainment (MGAE) has announced the promotion of Michelle Lilley to marketing director UK and Ireland. Michelle previously held the role of head of marketing for Little Tikes. As MGA UK’s marketing director, Michelle will lead all UK brand marketing teams, which include brands such as L.O.L. Surprise!, Little Tikes, Rainbow High, and Na! Na! Na! Surprise. Her primary objective will be to focus on building core business strategies and leading the charge to turn these strategies into compelling product lines, launches and business-building communications. Michelle’s passion for the industry began more than 20 years ago, when she worked for three years in a Toymaster [store] while balancing her studies. Since then, her experience has been rooted in consumer goods marketing, and the new role follows her time at Little Tikes, where she rose through the ranks from marketing manager to head of marketing. MGA Entertainment MD Neil Bandtock said: “We have no doubt that Michelle’s strategic, experienced approach will help us to build on the success of 2021 and deliver a record 2022.”
Fanattik appoints new creative director Pop culture brand Fanattik, a licensing partner for Hasbro, Universal Studios, Capcom, Bethesda, Studio Canal, Konami and many more leading video game and film studios, has appointed Melissa Tudor as creative director. Fanattik managing director Anthony Marks said: “Melissa has been with Fanattik for more than three years, helping to shape our creative team - which in turn has made Fanattik into a fanfavourite brand within the world of pop culture.” Her promotion comes at the end of a year which has seen phenomenal growth for the gift and collectable manufacturer and sees it in good stead for 2022, which is the company’s selfproclaimed ‘Year of Export’. The award-winning firm supplies retailers throughout the UK, Europe and beyond with products from SpongeBob SquarePants bottle openers to Jurassic Park playing cards.
toysnplaythings.media
