Industry Moves

New marketing manager joins Casdon Toys

Simone Inskip has joined Casdon Toys as marketing manager to oversee the company’s new brand and marketing strategy.

Having spent the past three years working at MGA Entertainment, Simone brings with her a wealth of experience across the toy and entertainment sector.

Casdon Toys has just celebrated its 75th anniversary and has a number of exciting campaigns already underway including the Helping out in the Home Corner initiative. The campaign, rolling out this summer, will see 100 primary-schools benefit through an interactive and resourceled programme packed full of fun activity sheets, certificates and stickers for children to take home, as well as receiving child-sized home corner favourites from Casdon’s best-selling range of toys to help enhance role-play areas in schools across the country.

Simone will work on this and other campaigns alongside Casdon’s newly appointed retained PR agency, Playtime PR.

Phil Cassidy, managing director at Casdon, commented: “We are delighted to welcome Simone to the Casdon family. We have no doubt that she is a perfect fit for the team and the right person to help us harness and enhance the exciting plans we have for the coming year.”

Commenting on her new role, Simone added: “I’m thrilled to be joining the amazing team at Casdon – and during such an exciting time for the brand too. With so many great initiatives to get on board with, and plenty more to bring to the table in both a digital and retail capacity, I’m looking forward to playing a part in the business’ future.”

Hauck UK appoints new sales managers to drive growth in UK and Ireland

Hauck is aiming to boosting its sales outreach in the UK and Ireland with the appointment of two experienced sales managers.

Helen Robinson, who has 16 years’ experience in sales in the nursery industry working for Mamas & Papas, Cybex/ Goodbaby International and Di-ono, joins as the new head of sales UK. Lee-Anne Neale has been appointed as senior national account manager, UK and Ireland, and brings over 20 years’ experience of business development and management in the gift, toy, consumer goods and outdoor categories, working for brands such as Posh Paws, Worlds Apart and KD Group.

With these appointments, the toy and nursery company aims to expand direct relationships between retail and brand. Hauck has ambitious targets for international growth, supported by an excellent brand position in the German home market and current investments in rebranding, brand extensions and expanding the digital edge of the company.

Barbara Kreibich, director of sales Europe and sales toys, commented: “We have decided to strengthen our sales power by directly recruiting two industry experts who will allow us to leverage the synergies that arise from integrating the toy and nursery businesses. This investment in distinguished additions to our team is an expression of our investors’ support for our ambitious international expansion plans.”

Hauck is currently working on a realignment of its brand and the company says it wants to further expand its strategic partnerships with European multi-channel retail partners, making the most of its experience as a digital pioneer. This includes jointly evaluating data and setting up customer-specific marketing plans.

Craft Buddy introduces Andrew Welch as new head of marketing

Andrew Welch has been appointed to the newly created post of head of marketing at Craft Buddy, bringing 16 years’ experience to the company.

His previous roles include looking after the marketing activity for the Power Rangers and Ben 10 brands during his five years at Bandai as senior product manager. He also spent six years with Creative Toys Company marketing the SoccerStarz brand and collectible mini figure range, Team Rudolph. With experience in R&D gained at Vivid, Flair and, most recently, at John Adams, his expertise in developing products and marketing established licensed ranges to consumers lends itself well to his new role.

Andrew has also been instrumental in developing TV, digital campaigns and retail launches for high profile brands and working on a host of arts & crafts products.

“I am joining Craft Buddy in a period of exponential growth for the company,” commented Andrew. “There is a huge demand out there for our products which is reflected in the range of listings we have secured. With new licences coming on board on the back of the success we have seen across our Disney lines, this is an exciting time for the business. I look forward to working with the Craft Buddy team to launch new ranges to market and further develop our extensive Arts & Crafts offering.”

Gary Wadhwani, co-director of Craft Buddy, said of Andrew’s appointment: “His track record of developing impactful marketing campaigns and working directly with both retailers and distribution partners brings an added dimension to our business. We look forward to bringing new ranges and licences to market later this year and beyond.”

Plum Play welcomes Lesley Whitehouse as product manager

Plum Play has announced the appointment of Lesley Whitehouse as product manager. In her new role, Lesley will be responsible for introducing new items to the Plum portfolio, making sure that brand guidelines and ethics are maintained, and she will also be working with other departments on new processes.

Lesley brings a wealth of experience to Plum Play, having spent over 16 years working for Toys R Us as lead buyer for Europe. Most recently, she worked for Mothercare and The Entertainer as a senior buyer.

Lesley commented: “I am looking forward to working with the Plum family and team, which I have known for many years. It is an exciting time to join the business, with the new global expansion program we have in our sights. My experience and knowledge from the outdoor industry will be extremely valuable for further ventures.”

Director of Product Development, Dave Woodman, added: “I am delighted to have Lesley on board as part of the team. With over 20 years of experience in the toy trade she is going to be a great asset to the business as we continue our growth in both the UK and international markets.”

Geomagworld takes on new agents to expand indie coverage

Geomagworld has announced it is extending its reach with the addition of sales agents in two key areas. Will Abigail will take responsibility for East Anglia and the Midlands, whilst Kingsley Li will look after the company’s independent sales in the North and Scotland.

Geomagworld’s Clive Wooster commented: “We felt this was a good time to extend our coverage and support our independent retailers in these two key areas. With Will and Kingsley we can provide regular independent support and professional advice as we further build our presence in UK.”

The company offers a collection of quality and highly innovative new products for children of all ages and is also furthering its position as a leading manufacturer when it comes to sustainability. In 2020, the company first presented its new green range and made a commitment that, moving forwards, all new products introduced would only be manufactured using recycled plastic. 2021 sees the introduction of 20 new items across Geomagworld’s Magicube, Geomag and Mechanics platforms, each one made using recycled plastic.

Contact details for both new Geomagworld agents are as follows: Will Abigail – email at waagencies@outlook.com or phone 07955 283490/Kingsley Li – email at kckagencies@outlook.com or phone 07585 979694.

Katy Greenwood joins Kidicraft as company expands

Kidicraft has strengthened its team with the appointment of Katy Greenwood who, as sales administrator, will serve to support the increased demand the company is experiencing and ensure that it maintains its excellent levels of customer service.

Katy is joining at a critical and exciting time as the business has recently relocated to new premises – a move the company says is necessary to keep up with the continued expansion of the business and its ever-expanding range of new products.

Roy Greenwood, director at Kidicraft, told Toy World he is delighted to have Katy on board. Katy has joined after completing her university degree, and Roy says he is excited to see his experience and knowledge being passed down for the future.

Katy added: “I am really excited to have joined the team. Everyone has been very helpful and supportive in introducing me into the toy industry. I cannot wait for restrictions to ease, so that I can get more involved in the trade shows and see the business progress. It has been lovely to start working with my dad – and to learn from him.” The company’s new address is Kidicraft Ltd, 26-28 Churchill Way, Lomeshaye Industrial Estate, Nelson, BB9 6RT. Katy can be reached on 01282 505988 or sales@kidicraft.com.

University Games appoints new national accounts manager

Chris Maker brings over two decades of retail expertise as well as national account experience gained during his work with prestigious brands such as Joseph Joseph, Camelot and Lindt Chocolate.

Speaking about his new role, Chris said: “As retail begins to get back on track, this is a crucial but exciting time, not only for the sector as a whole but also for the growth and development of the business and I am very much looking forward to playing my part. With Q4 just around the corner and over 700 games, puzzles and gifts in our portfolio there is plenty to be get excited about."

Mark Jones, director of sales at University Games, said Chris will be a fantastic addition to the University Games team: “To be able to bring an individual of Chris’ calibre to the team, with his extensive experience and character, will be a huge benefit, not only to his customers but also to the rest of the team. As a business we have seen strong growth in the last couple of years and we believe Chris will be an integral part of continuing that success.”

University Games recently moved from its London-based office of 25 years into more modern offices in Royston, Hertfordshire to allow for further expansion as part of the company’s strategic growth plans.

Toynamics brings in Nick Rushton as area sales manager

Toynamics UK & Ireland has appointed Nick Rushton as area sales manager for the North.

Nick’s role will focus on driving sales forward with independent accounts as well as growing business opportunities across Toynamics’ toy and nursery brand portfolio, which covers Hape, Skip Hop, Nebulous Stars, DinosArt and Nanoblock. His remit will cover new business development and nurturing existing business.

Nick has an excellent track record in sales. Previously at Hornby Hobbies, he covered sales for the North of England and Scotland for Hornby, Scalextric, Corgi, Airfix and Humbrol, with a focus on the independent sector.

David Allan, MD at Toynamics UK & Ireland, said: “We’re delighted to welcome Nick as our new area sales manager for the North. His role is vital to the expansion and development of new business and growth within independent accounts across the Northern territory.”

Nick can be contacted on nick.rushton@toynamics.co.uk.