PEOPLE
NEWS
Basic Fun! promotes Tim Ives
Gibsons
team grows
Neil Hartley
Demi Newman
Jazmin Gray
Rachel Riddell
Games and puzzles company Gibsons has recruited five new staff. Neil Hartley, Demi Newman, Jazmin Gray and Rachel Riddell have joined the team in the new roles of assistant accountant, customer service administrator, people & culture manager and sales supervisor. Meanwhile, as Adam Melville and Mark Bollen leave the company after many years of service, David Eastoe joins as head of finance. Gibsons managing director Kate Gibson said: “So much has changed over the past 12 months and they join us at an exciting time in our history. With a partial return to the office and the benefits this brings, it feels great to be able to grow our dedicated team and to give opportunities to people, especially in the current climate.”
Tim Ives has been promoted from head of sales to general manager for the UK and ROI of Basic Fun! He joined K’NEX UK in 2013 to head up the sales division and following the acquisition of K’NEX by Basic Fun! in 2018, he continued to focus on his role as head of sales. During his eight-year tenure at the company, Tim has played a key role in developing brands including K’NEX, Tonka, Care Bears, Cutetitos, Lite-Brite and Fisher-Price Classics. In his new post he will take on wider responsibility for the business, while remaining as the key business contact for his accounts, supported by general sales manager Lynne Swatton-Reed and head of marketing Holly Lackey.
Eve joins Thames & Kosmos Thames & Kosmos has recruited Eve Eaton as its newest sales administrator. Eve joined the company in October 2020 to help out during Q4 and the team was so impressed with her that she was offered a permanent position due to the business expanding, and joined in April.
Asmodee announces pair of promotions Asmodee UK has promoted Christina Brasier and Barry John to new roles as national accounts controllers, jointly managing its national sales team. Having held responsibility for partnerships with suppliers and retailers including The Pokémon Company International, Tesco and John Lewis, the pair will now take on a broader remit to further expand the company’s customer and supplier bases. “Both Christina and Barry have performed sensationally for many years as key figures in Asmodee’s sustained growth and success in the national market,” said Anil Boodhoo, the company’s national channel director. “I have no doubt that they will both excel in their new positions as they help us to take the next steps in our development.”
Toy stalwart retires after 34 years in the trade Tomy & Drumond Park Games sales director Dave Howard retired on 30 April following 34 years of service in the toy industry. Starting his career at Hasbro, Dave spent 12 years there before joining Character Options in 1999. He then moved to Marvin’s Magic for four years, prior to joining Drumond Park as sales director. In total, Dave worked with Drumond Park brands for 17 years, including four years at Vivid, enjoying his final two years at Tomy. Mary Wood, general manager UK & Ireland of Tomy, said: “Dave is a muchloved character. His strong work ethic has earned him a huge amount of respect from customers, colleagues and competitors.’’
Hello Freddie! Great Gizmos sales director Sarah Dayus welcomed a baby boy on December 28 - seven and a half weeks early! Freddie was discharged from hospital on 20 January, and has been enjoying settling into life at home. He has already been appointed as chief toy tester for Great Gizmos and is looking forward to all the fun ahead!
MAXimum delight Our congratulations to Vicki Marler-Hausen and husband Luke on the birth of baby Max. Vicki is of course best known as Vicki Elmer, running her marketing and PR agency of that name. Grandad Keith has already put Max’s name down for a Southampton F.C. season ticket once Covid restrictions are lifted!
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