Industry Moves Marvin’s Magic appoints first global head of demonstration As Marvin’s Magic approaches its 36th anniversary, the company has appointed Sacha Johnstone to the newly created role of global head of demonstration. Sacha first began working with Marvin’s Magic as a teenager, completing a two-week work experience placement in Hamleys, Regent Street. He then continued working with the company as a demonstrator throughout the rest of his time in school and university, and upon graduating took on the role of demonstration manager in 2015. Since leaving the company in 2018, Sacha has continued to work closely with CEO Tom Hudson on the company’s global expansion. He formally takes on his new position this week. Tom remarked: “I’m very excited that Sacha is going to be joining us as our global head of demonstration. This is a new and much needed role within our business. As Marvin’s Magic continues to grow online and through mass retail, Sacha will be spearheading the expansion of our world-famous demonstration programme into additional tourist hotspots, whilst bringing exciting new demo lines to our existing flagship locations.” Sacha added: “I’m thrilled to be taking on this new role and growing this vital area of the business. It’s so great to be back working with the wonderful team here in our head office, as well as our ever-growing team of remarkably talented demonstrators who are showcasing our products in some of the most prestigious retail locations around the globe, 365 days a year.”
Vivid Goliath bolsters Marketing team Alesha Khan has been appointed as brand manager for the group to support a turbo charged portfolio of new developments on track to launch in autumn/winter 2024. “We’re delighted to announce that Alesha has joined the Toy Marketing team,” said Marketing controller Chloe Burrowes. “Alesha recently joined us from Panasonic, where she has worked across its electronic brands portfolio. She is well equipped to help us advance our marketing plans to support numerous exciting category launches which are currently being revealed to retailers during our autumn/winter previews.” Vivid Goliath continues to drive global innovation in the Toy and Games space with more than 50 new products in development for launch in 2024. To see the company’s full range, visit www.vividtoysandgames.co.uk. The sales team can be contacted on 01483 449 944.
PMI Kids’ World welcomes Mark Kingston in advisory role PMI Kids’ World, a company which is already brimming with collectibles from some of the hottest brands, has announced the appointment of Mark Kingston as the new lead of Licensing and Business Development, in an advisory role. An accomplished industry leader with over 24 years of experience in consumer goods, Mark’s role will be invaluable to PMI’s growing catalogue of in-demand licences. His track record of driving growth and innovation in the licensed consumer products industry comes at a pivotal time for PMI, which just this year added Pudgy Penguins, Piñata Smashlings and Stumble Guys to its roster of coveted licences. This has already resulted in explosive growth for the company while building momentum heading into 2024. As PMI enters the pre-school space for the first time, set to unveil a toy line based on the educational series Creature Cases next year, Mark’s extensive experience with the pre-school demographic will provide confident direction towards success. “PMI Kids’ World has an impressive streak of staying ahead of the curve when it comes to finding the next hot brands,” commented Mark. “I’m excited to share my knowledge and experience with the team to help take its incredible portfolio of licences to the next level.” Mark’s expertise stems from his impressive resume of work for prominent companies, including BBC Worldwide, The Walt Disney Company, Nickelodeon, Viacom and Paramount, as well as being the co-founder & CEO of IP management, licensing and consultancy company, Libertas Brands. “Mark’s exceptional track record of driving growth through strategic partnerships will be an asset in shaping and expanding PMI’s reach in the market,” said Omer Dekel, COO of PMI Kids’ World. “We look forward to having his wisdom help us reach our long-term goals.”
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