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