Industry Moves Nikki Samuels joins Hunter Price as commercial director Consumer products business Hunter Price International is continuing to add strength and depth to its team with its latest high-profile appointment. Brand and licensing expert Nikki Samuels has joined as commercial director, to help guide the successful Manchester based business, which is on target to exceed its £40m sales forecast this year. Nikki, the former licensing director and founder of character product manufacturer Sambro, brings decades of experience and knowledge to the Hunter Price team. He joins as part of the company’s ambitious growth strategy across its core product categories, including home & lifestyle, toys & activity and stationery & craft. Following the appointment, co-founder Jeremy Winburn will now take up the role of trading director, to focus on the company’s fast-paced, reactionary trading business. Nikki will concentrate on the longer-term strategic vision for the business and new business development opportunities. Jeremy Winburn commented: “We are industry innovators – and over the past two years we’ve continued to adapt and evolve, to carve out very clear areas of focus to help us achieve our goals. We’ve been strengthening our fantastic teams with the best talent, from buying and design to sales and marketing. We’ve elevated our whole thought process and approach to enable us to deliver excellence within the industry. Nikki really shares our passion for product and his addition to the team will be invaluable as we start activating our plans over the coming years.” Nikki said: “When you set foot in Devon Mill – the home of Hunter Price, you’re hit with such an incredible energy of excitement and passion. The talent and drive to create outstanding products is like no other business I’ve known and that’s what brought me here. We’ve got really solid foundations as a business and now it’s time to maximise our opportunities and potential across our core categories in the UK and throughout Europe.” Nikki will also sit on the board of directors alongside the co-founders, Jeremy Winburn and managing director, Josh Eden; operations director, Jonathan Alexander and toys sales director, Richard Belford.
Left to right, Laura Leigh-Mills, Andrew Kay and Jamie Gordon are joining the MGA sales team
MGA Entertainment welcomes three new account managers MGA Entertainment has announced the three new hires, who will join the UK team. These include Jamie Gordon as senior national account manager, Laura Leigh-Mills as eCommerce national account manager and Andrew Kay as national account manager. As senior national account manager, Jamie Gordon is responsible for grocery and discounter channels. Having previously worked as an Asda implant and led the Morrisons account for Hasbro, Jamie joins MGA with vast experience in this sector. Laura Leigh-Mills joins in the role of eCommerce national account manager, having previously gained experience in 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. Julie Taylor, UK and Ireland sales director, stated: “We are extremely excited to welcome three such strong additions to the team. Jamie, Laura and Andrew bring with them a wealth of relevant experience and the passion and drive to take our account management to the next level. 2022 is already proving to be a huge year for the company. With a strong sales team in place – and the additions of Jamie, Laura and Andrew – we have every confidence this this year will be our biggest and best yet.”
Hunter Price Directors, top left to right, Jeremy Winburn and Richard Belford and, bottom left to right, Josh Eden, Jonny Alexander and Nikki Samuels.
Ravensburger boosts team with two new hires Ravensburger has made two new appointments for 2022, boosting multiple teams within the company. Boosting the Operations team is Jonathan Heil who joins as facilities manager. Jon brings with him with him more than 10 years’ experience in facilities, office and operation management and will report directly to head of Supply Chain and Operations, Colin Reeves. Della Holding has been appointed as consumer service advisor and will report directly to head of Marketing and Product Development, Katy Fletcher. The appointments follow the news in January that Tim Hall, managing director of Ravensburger for over two decades, is to step down from the role during the second quarter of 2022 after more than 20 years. He explained that his decision had been made for personal reasons and that the company was in ‘excellent health’. Tim will now become part of the team looking after international licensing.
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