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NEWS
MGA Entertainment appoints new trio MGA Entertainment, Inc. has announced the appointment of three new account managers to its UK team. Jamie Gordon joins as senior national account manager, responsible for grocery and discounter channels. Having previously worked as an Asda implant and having led the Morrisons account for Hasbro, he joins MGA with vast experience in this sector.
Tara joins
Casdon Toys Casdon Toys continues the growth of its team with the appointment of Tara Mortimer as senior national account manager. Tara brings a wealth of knowledge and industry experience from previous roles at Sainsbury’s Argos, Tesco and Smyths. Casdon has gone from strength to strength, growing from a team of 18 to 39 over the past two years. Phil Cassidy, managing director at Casdon Toys, said: “We are excited to welcome Tara to the Casdon family. With the variety of industry experience she brings, I have no doubt that she will help us achieve the plans we have for the coming year and beyond.” Commenting on her new role, Tara said: “I am thrilled to be joining Casdon, a company I have known and worked with for many years, albeit on the other side. Their product range has always been very impressive, but this year more than ever. I am thrilled to be part of the team at such an exciting time.”
Tomy announces new addition to the sales team Boasting 17 years of experience in the toy industry, Samantha Whittaker has joined Tomy as national account manager. Samantha brings a wealth of experience and enthusiasm for toys and games. She will work exclusively across Tomy’s growing games portfolio, including Drumond Park, Zanzoon and Tomy Games, which contains names such as LOGO 2nd Edition, Articulate!, and Pop-Up Pirate. Tomy UK sales director Kingsley Matthews said: “It was important that we found just the right person that will help us maintain the fantastic work already achieved, while continuing to help us develop and grow within the category.’’
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Laura Leigh-Mills joins in the role of ecommerce national account manager, having previously held the position of national account manager with Carte Blanche. Andrew Kay is the third new addition to the MGA team, as national account manager. His previous experience includes 13 years with toy company Funko.
Sambro creates new ethical and sustainability role Sambro has created a new ethical and sustainability manager role, which has been filled by Lisa Longley. Lisa comes to Sambro with more than 10 years’ experience in the manufacturing industry, and will oversee the implementation of a new sustainability programme and manage the ethical compliance of the toy company’s supply base. She will work closely with suppliers and vendors to ensure that Sambro’s ethical sourcing requirements are met, and that all factories meet the needs of Sambro, its customers and licensors. Her first job has been to create an ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) committee and draw up a policy with clear objectives which she will ensure are met. These include responsible sourcing and supply chain management; safeguarding the health, wellbeing and safety of Sambro employees; proactive management of consumption of resources and energy; and sourcing goods and services that generate a positive impact with customers. Lisa will also take responsibility for overseeing the prevention of discrimination and the promotion of diversity and inclusion in the workplace, as well as the company’s anti-corruption and anti-bribery measures.
Toymaster welcomes new member Salmons Department Store in Ballinasloe, County Galway, Ireland, has joined Toymaster. Salmons, which celebrates 60 years in business this year, has departments covering toys, arts and crafts, giftware, books and many other categories. Toymaster said they would like to welcome Salmons to the Toymaster family and wish Megan, Donna, Bernie and Dermot the best of luck!
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