PEOPLE
NEWS
BBC Studios
appoints licensing duo
Toymaster names MD
this much Buying group Toymaster has promoted BBC Studios has deserved Yogi Parmar from joint interim managing appointed Louise promotion. director to the permanent role of Rigby and Gaby Dior as He is a longmanaging director. licensing managers in serving, popular and Colin Farrow, who was joint interim a move to expand the much respected leader managing director, will continue to corporation’s consumer of the Toymaster head office team, and serve Toymaster as finance director and products ambitions and this promotion recognises his dedication, company secretary. Paul Reader will deliver its brand and management skills and expertise in all continue to support Yogi as the third retail strategies. things Toymaster.” executive director as marketing director. Louise and Gaby He added: “I should like to thank Colin Toymaster chairman Chris Blatcher said: both report to BBC for his continued support and dedication “I’m sure our members, suppliers and staff Studios’ licensing to the group.” will all join me in congratulating Yogi on Louise Rigby director merchandise, partnerships and interactive Rikesh Desai and are responsible for identifying new product opportunities. They will also manage and oversee the company’s Following a period of growth, and the success of its Disney portfolio of merchandise Crystal Art range launch in the first quarter, Craft Buddy is and brand licensing seeking a raft of new hires. partnerships spanning The company has expanded its product development team Bluey, Hey Duggee, BBC with the appointment of Katrina Oliver as product manager. Earth and Doctor Who. Katrina Oliver With a background in retail, having previously worked as Louise will manage Gaby Dior a buyer at Mothercare and Boden, Katrina brings a wealth of experience and will UK deals and Gaby work alongside existing marketing and sales teams to develop new lines and extend will oversee licensing established range offerings. operations and agent relationships In addition, Craft Buddy is looking to recruit three additional roles: head of marketing, across EMEA. product compliance manager and finance & HR manager (maternity cover). Louise has over 12 years’ experience Craft Buddy co-director Gary Wadhwani said: “We’ve had a fantastic response across in the brand and licensing industry. She the trade for our new arts & crafts launches over the past year. Demand has grown has worked with brand owners including during the pandemic and, as we look to expand our influence in the arts & crafts sector, LEGO, Disney, WB, Hasbro, Nickelodeon plus explore new license partnerships, we need to bolster our team to support our plans and PlayStation. Gaby brings over for this year and beyond. All roles will be partly based in our office in Chesham and 15 years’ experience in licensing and partly from home. Industry experience is of course very welcome.” consumer products. She previously managed licensing programmes across EMEA for international agency Wildbrain CPLG, and internationally for Zodiak Rights (now Banijay Rights). She Ravensburger has expanded has worked on brands Kids International its marketing team with the including The Simpsons, Marketing (KIM) has appointment of PR manager Sonic The Hedgehog, appointed James Triptree Kirsty Barr. She will work across Sesame Street and most to manage key accounts. Kirsty Barr the portfolio of brands including recently Brown & Friends, He is well known across the Ravensburger blue triangle, BT21, the Spin Master portfolio, the UK toy trade, having BRIO, ThinkFun Brain and Logic Games. Ghostbusters and the Sony managed the sales Katy Fletcher, head of marketing and Pictures Entertainment TV portfolio. partnership for over 20 years. James Triptree product development, commented: “I’m This announcement follows a James joins UK sales delighted to welcome Kirsty on board. successful year for BBC Studios’ manager Nigel Deacon and McCabe With her wealth of experience in toys, consumer products division which Marketing & Sales, which manages the games and licensing, I’m looking forward has secured an extensive catalogue of company’s business in Ireland. to working with Kirsty, who will focus on licensees in the UK to coincide with KIM recently confirmed it was partnering the consumer PR for many of our new the launch of Emmy award-winning with Cuckoo to support local supply of four launches and heritage products too.” preschool series Bluey on CBeebies, new of its key brands: Quercetti, GeoPuzzle, Kirsty added: “I’m thrilled to be joining partnerships and renewed deals for Hey Chameleon Kidz, and Bubabloon. In Ravensburger UK. I’m passionate about Duggee including its first confectionery addition, KIM markets its Pugs at Play the toy and licensing industry, and the product with Kinnerton, and successful brand on an FOB-only basis. many wonderful people within it.’’ BBC Earth branded product launches.
Yogi Parmar
Craft Buddy
rolls out recruitment drive
Kirsty joins Ravensburger
12
KIM strengthens sales team
toysnplaythings.media
