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People News – all the movers and shakers
Gilles Sautier VTech international president
Bulldog appoints new creative manager
Bulldog Licensing has appointed Karina Rhoden to the role of senior creative manager to oversee day-to-day product development as well as the creation of style guides.
She joins from the Smiley company, where she was most recently licensing and product development manager. Rhoden is a former finalist for UL Rising Star at the Licensing Awards.
Bulldog’s portfolio includes the likes of Sesame Workshop, Care Bears, That’s not My…, Odo, Miraculous, Magic Mixies and Route 66.
Rhoden said “Bulldog has such a diverse portfolio with a highly creative team. It’s so fantastic to be working with an agency as respected and skilled across so many aspects of licensing.”
Stalwart Canning to retire
Long-standing VTech sales director Graham Canning has announced his plans to retire from the company after more than 30 years.
The stalwart joined the company in 1991 when it was still establishing itself in the electronic learning aids market, helping it to become market leader in 1993. Over the years he has helped the company expand and become number one in assorted categories, while he was also instrumental in helping launch the IQ Builders Division and, more recently, in the smooth running and integration of Leapfrog into the company after VTech’s acquisition.
He is cutting down to three working days a week from October 1, before eventually exiting the company and retiring in September 2023.
Canning said: “I have had an incredible journey and many cherished memories in my long career with VTech, although I will still be in the background for a year. I have met and worked with great people - both colleagues and customers.
“It has been an honour to serve the BTHA council and be current chairman until June 2023. The toy industry is a fabulous industry to be in and I wish everyone at VTech and in the industry great success for the future.”
VTech international president Gilles Sautier commented: “I’d like to thank Graham for his over 30 years of service. He joined VTech at a time when the company opened overseas subsidiaries, and was a crucial piece in transforming the UK sales office from a single-item company to a market leader in several categories. During the year of transition, he will mentor the sales team and Clive Richardson – newly promoted VP sales & marketing - to help prepare and pave the way for a new era under Clive’s leadership.”
Spring and Autumn Fair new appointments
Spring and Autumn Fair organiser Hyve Group has made two major appointments to the team, with Nicola Meadows taking on the role of portfolio director for the two shows and sister fashion-based event Moda, while Alejandra Campos joins as event director for Moda at Spring and Autumn Fair.
Meadows has 15 years’ experience in events, including her most recent stint at Immediate Media. She said: “I will bring a deep knowledge of visitor experience and knowledge in the direct-to-consumer sector to these marketleading events. I’m looking forward to working with the talented and driven teams on the shows and welcome the appointment of Alejandra as event director of Moda.”
Meanwhile, Campos boasts more than 20 years in trade exhibitions and shows, including fashion and wedding events.
Hyve Group MD Julie Driscoll said: “They have joined at a very exciting moment in the history of the shows with the recent launch of Connect @ Autumn Fair, which we believe will change the face of trade shows forever.”
Nicola Meadows
Alejandra Campos
Suzanne Larkin
Getting the ’Bug
Moonbug Entertainment has announced a raft of appointments across its EMEA and Australia and New Zealand business as it continues to ramp up its licensing and merchandising operation.
In the first of two appointments from former Disney staffers, Suzanne Larkin joins to head up softlines across EMEA and ANZ, overseeing fashion and home licensing. She is joined by former colleague Samar Selby, who will look after FMCG licensing across the same territories. Duncan Hamilton, who comes on board to oversee new business in EMEA and ANZ, joins from Paramount.
Francesca Romana Gianesin, head of consumer products EMEA & ANZ at Moonbug Entertainment, said: “Our consumer products business is growing rapidly, and these new roles are key for our continued expansion across Europe, Middle East and Africa, also expanding Australia & New Zealand L&M business. Together Suzanne, Samar and Duncan are great leaders who bring a wealth of experience and expertise, and I am looking forward to working with them all. Exciting times at Moonbug.”
