11 minute read
Industry Moves
Will Stewart becomes UK MD at Imagination Games
Imagination Games has long been recognised as a trailblazer in the realm of imaginative and interactive entertainment. Through its diverse range of products and experiences, it has captivated audiences worldwide, inspiring creativity, laughter and memorable moments for all ages.
With a rich history of delivering exceptional entertainment, Imagination Games has demonstrated its ability to adapt and evolve in an ever-changing industry. Established in 1996, the company has continuously pushed boundaries, igniting the spark of imagination in millions of individuals. From board games to party games, puzzles to trivia challenges, Imagination Games has consistently harnessed the power of play to foster social interaction and intellectual stimulation.
The company says its decision to appoint Will Stewart is a testament to his “remarkable leadership, business acumen and passion for enhancing the entertainment and gaming landscape”. With an impressive track record of driving growth and fostering innovation in the industry, Will is poised to steer Imagination Games towards new heights in the UK market.
Imagination Games’ successful relaunch in the US three years ago served as a catalyst for its global expansion plans. By combining cutting-edge technology with imaginative game play, the company reinvigorated the traditional gaming landscape, captivating audiences with fresh and immersive experiences. This remarkable success has paved the way for its entry back into the UK market.
Playing a pivotal role in overseeing Imagination Games’ operations, driving growth and building strategic partnerships, Will is poised to spearhead the establishment of the company as a formidable force within the UK entertainment industry.
Funrise welcomes new national account manager
As national account manager, Jonathan Wheatstone will be responsible for driving new business opportunities at Funrise UK and forging strong relationships across multiple national retail accounts including Asda, The Entertainer, Smyths, John Lewis, Ocado, The Range and Hamleys amongst others.
Jonathan has extensive UK experience within the toy industry having spent eight years at Winning Moves managing multiple accounts.
“We are very excited to have Jonathan join the team,” said Annie Sullivan, general manager UK & Northern Europe. “I’m sure he will play a crucial role in helping the business grow.”
Jonathan added: “I’m delighted to be joining the Sales team at such an exciting time for the company, which has an impressive portfolio that I’m looking forward to getting to grips with. My skills and experience should stand us all in good stead as I contribute to the next stage of growth and development at Funrise.”
David Allan joins Epoch Sales team
David Allan has been brought into the company as Sales manager for UK & Eire due to his extensive past experience, to assist driving the growth of the business across all the categories. David’s main responsibilities in this newly created role are to strengthen and maintain existing retailer relationships in all categories in the UK and Ireland. He will also manage the day-to-day functions of the existing established Sales team and report to the business directors.
Commercial director, John Briggs, said: “The business is excited to have been able to secure David, with his level of experience, to boost the Sales team. David’s long-standing reputation in the industry is not in question and with his extensive contact list and combined years in the industry, the business should only go forward with confidence.”
David, whose previous roles include MD at Toynamics along with senior positions at DKL and Brio, commented: “This is a very exciting time to be joining Epoch. Sylvanian Families is in a consistent period of growth and very visible across the retail landscape, commanding excellent shelf space and execution. The Games Division of the business has huge plans for 2024, building on the success of Super Mario with new and exciting games and licences and Aquabeads remains highly sought after in the Arts & Crafts category. I am really looking forward to working with the team to help build and continue the growth of the UK and Ireland business.”
KAP Toys celebrates new team signing
Andrea Hawker joins the KAP Toys team as Sales manager, to increase the company’s levels of professional service to customers and support the continued growth of the business. The appointment follows her extensive career stint of 29 years with MV Sports.
Nathaniel Southworth, managing director, commented: “Andrea brings an unbelievable passion and drive to make the customer experience as awesome as possible. Everyone knows that the product is king, but without the systems/process and attention to detail the listing/order is lost. KAP Toys has done pretty well to date, but Andrea’s only been with us a couple of days and I am already buzzing about her impact and our enhanced potential. She will be working alongside Golden Teddy recipient, head of Sales, Neil Leah, so we have only improved the company’s Dream Team.”
KAP Toys represents products through a number of global partners, with licensed toys from Disney, Marvel, Hello Kitty, Among Us and Fuzzballs among its portfolio. Furthermore, MD Nat says there is much more to come.
Andrea said: “I love the toy industry and am very proud of my time in it with MV Sports, but I fancied a new challenge. From the minute I started talking with Nat, I could see how passionate he is about his products. I feel very strongly that there are a lot of retailers who still haven’t capitalised on what KAP Toys has to offer…I will be in touch!”
Jordan Pope joins Click Distribution
Click Distribution (UK) has announced the appointment of Jordan Pope as Sales account manager for UK & Ireland. Jordan brings a wealth of experience to the role. Spanning across all toy categories, Jordan’s knowledge of the industry stems from working across a wide range of customers, including Toymaster, AIS, eCommerce and key accounts.
Lewi Hillier, Sales director at Click, said of Jordan’s appointment: “We are really excited to welcome Jordan to the Click team. His experience and expertise will play a huge part in helping us continue to grow and develop our independent accounts. I’m sure that Jordan will be an invaluable part of the team.”
Commenting on his new role, Jordan said: “I’m delighted to be joining Click at such an exciting time for the company, and I’m looking forward to bringing my skills and experience to contribute to our next stage of growth and development. I’m impressed by the quality of products in the company’s portfolio, and I’m excited to begin working with the team.”
CEO, Luke Hillier added: “Jordan’s an extremely down to earth, humble, hard-working young man, and it’s an absolute pleasure to have him on board. He has great experience within the industry and this will be invaluable for the business as we further our growth.”
Click’s exclusive distribution portfolio consists of brands such as Pet Simulator, Poppy Playtime, Yu-Gi-Oh!, Rainbow Friends and Blox Fruits from PhatMojo, Biggies from Eolo, as well as an extensive range from Panini, including Super Mario, Minecraft, Squishmallows, Premier League and FIFA Women’s World Cup. To find out more on any of these ranges, visit the website here.
To get in touch with Jordan, contact him directly on jordan@clickdistributionuk.com or 0330 123 2559.
Moose Toys welcomes Sara Gibson as UK sales director
Sara joins Moose from Tesco with a wealth of success and experience in the industry. She brings almost two decades of multi-category experience, spanning buying and operations roles for Tesco in Central Europe.
Sara will be responsible for leading the Moose UK business on its continued upward trajectory. Last year Moose UK grew more than +46% according to Circana.
“We are extremely pleased and excited to have Sara on board. Her experience and talent will help keep Moose on its continuing growth path,” said Emily Maclennan, SVP Sales & Marketing UK & Europe for Moose Toys. “We know that Sara will be a wonderful addition to our team and a fantastic fit within our Moose culture, that has led to the UK office being accredited as a ‘Great Place to Work’ since 2021.”
Sara added: “It’s a brilliant time to be joining Moose Toys. The company’s growth over the last years has been phenomenal. Moose’s development to become the most innovative toy company in the world, combined with its fun and unique family values, were incredibly attractive to me, and I’m looking forward to contributing to its success moving forward.”
Rainbow Designs appoints new key account manager
Brett Bamberger joins the Rainbow Designs team, bringing with him a wealth of experience in the Baby and Nursery categories. Brett has over eight years’ experience working with well-established nursery brands including Mamas & Papas and Artsana.
Brett said: “I am really proud to join and be a part of the family here at Rainbow Designs, the Home of Classic Characters. With over five decades of bringing innovative and contemporary soft toys and gifts to babies and young children, I am looking forward to delivering these exciting brands to retailers"
Gary Hughes, national accounts controller for Rainbow Designs, commented: “I’m delighted to have Brett join our team; he brings with him great experience in the Baby and Nursery category. Rainbow continues to grow, even in these tough economic times, and Brett is very much a part of our future growth plans for both brands and customers alike.”
Rainbow Designs is renowned for combining the best Classic Brands with innovative design and offering an extensive range of high-quality Soft Toys, Wooden Toys, Baby, Nursery and Gift products.
Rainbow’s prestigious licensed portfolio includes: Paddington Bear and the New Paddington TV Adventures, Peter Rabbit, Disney’s Winnie the Pooh and Mickey Mouse, The Very Hungry Caterpillar, Guess How Much I Love You, Elmer, Spot the Dog, Snoopy, We’re Going on a Bear Hunt, Bagpuss, Maisy, Giraffes Can’t Dance and The Snowman and The Snowdog ranges.
Wow! Stuff bolsters sales team with two new hires
Charlotte Smith has joined Wow! Stuff as general sales manager and India Bullock as senior national account manager.
Charlotte, who joined from MGA, has extensive experience in the toy trade where she has been working as a senior national accounts manager. India joined shortly before, bringing with her 18 years’ experience within the toy industry, most recently as a national account manager at Jakks Pacific.
“I am so excited to be joining Wow! Stuff at such a remarkable time of growth in the business – and with some absolutely astonishing new products and brands lined up for 2024,” commented Charlotte. “Collaborating with co-founder Richard North, MD Dawn Lavalette and the immensely talented innovation team really is a dream come true. This is a very exciting next step in my career, and I can’t wait to contribute to the ongoing success and innovation that Wow! Stuff brings to the world of toys.”
India said: “I’m really excited to be joining the Wow! Stuff team and look forward to getting to know everyone. They seem a little crazy, so I think I’ll fit in well.”
Dawn Lavalette said: “I’m genuinely not trying to outnumber the menfolk in the company but with India joining and then Charlotte, I feel we are now a very well-balanced team. We go into summer ‘23 with
our strongest ever sales force and are well placed for September previews, where we will announce the launch of the most exciting product and brand developments in the company’s history.”
Richard North, president, Wow! Stuff added: “India Bullock and now Charlotte Smith joining Wow! Stuff is adding to what I think is the finest team I have ever seen in any business. To see Wow! Stuff create the most innovative toys in the industry, hit the occasional road block along the way, yet dust itself down and get even stronger, attracting ever more passionate people to join us gives me the utmost joy. I want to thank every Wow! Stuffer for believing in what we do and why we do it.”
