Industry Moves

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.

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.”

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.”

Bureau Veritas welcomes Nik Hallam as business development manager

Toy industry stalwart Nik Hallam joins Bureau Veritas to help launch its new UK Technical Competence Centre, in the role of business development manager.

Following more than 20 years as a salesman in the world of toys and kids’ products, working with the likes of Bebe Confort, Bright Power and Youngsters World, Nik took a short break from the industry before he was ultimately lured back. He’s spent the last nine years in the compliance and safety side of the industry, where he’s become known for his knowledge and expertise.

“Toy safety has never been stricter than it is today, with the changing regulatory environment, more substances being banned, and more and more brands and retailers wanting to show they are sustainable,” Nik explains. “So, I am excited to be joining Bureau Veritas as business development manager at this special time: to lend my support and expertise to the launch of the new Bureau Veritas UK Technical Competence Centre.”

The new centre is based in Warrington, Cheshire, and houses Bureau Veritas’ technical experts from across multiple industries. The Toy team offers full support, from the initial stages of the product development process through to final production, helping retailers and manufacturers to make and market compliant, quality and sustainable toys. In addition, the Bureau Veritas global network of more than 1,600 offices and laboratories offers clients support near to their centres of production, as well as in local hubs and competence centres.

Nik adds: “I couldn’t be happier to be joining a company with the 195 years of heritage that Bureau Veritas has. I am also pleased to announce BV’s return to London Toy Fair in 2024. Come and meet some of the technical team that will be supporting me on stand B20.”

To find out more about the centre and how it can support your needs, Nik can be contacted on nik.hallam@bureauveritas.com or 07816 162897.

Wilton Bradley celebrates promotions as expansion continues

Wilton Bradley has proudly announced the promotions of Pete Minch and Mike Gascoigne to senior National Account managers. Having joined the business in 2020 and 2014 respectively, and with extensive backgrounds in strategic account management, (not to mention some notable Fantasy Football skills) Pete and Mike will continue to bring a wealth of expertise to the forefront, reinforcing Wilton Bradley’s commitment to innovation and market leadership.

Both will play an important part in driving the continued growth of the business, in-line with the company’s strong ambitions over the next couple of years.

A spokesperson commented: “With a wealth of experience, Pete and Mike have a proven track record of cultivating successful partnerships and driving revenue growth. Their industry acumen aligns seamlessly with Wilton Bradley’s vision for continued expansion and excellence in the consumer leisure goods sector.”

They added: “The team would like to offer sincere congratulations to Pete and Mike as they embark on their new roles, steering Wilton Bradley towards new heights in the dynamic landscape of consumer leisure goods.”

Toymaster strengthens organisation

Toymaster has announced the appointment of Darren Robinson to the position of head of Finance. Darren, who is a qualified accountant, has 30 years of experience heading up finance functions in a variety of different industries and will bring that valuable knowledge to the group, which says his onboarding will help with Toymaster’s succession planning.

Darren commented: “I would like to thank Toymaster for giving me this opportunity to join the team, and I look forward to meeting our members and suppliers in the coming months.”

Darren can be contacted on 01604 674 477 or darren.robinson@toymaster.co.uk.

Chris Blatcher, meanwhile, has been asked by the Toymaster board to continue in his role as chairman of the Board of Directors for the foreseeable future. Chris was appointed to this role in 2020. Yogi Parmar, Toymaster’s managing director, says Chris has been “instrumental in driving Toymaster forward by providing strategic advice and guidance to help both members and the team in Northampton”.

Chris added: “I felt very privileged when I was invited by the board to continue serving as the chairman of Toymaster. It has been an honour to work so closely with Yogi, the other directors, and the entire team. Over the past three years, we have implemented numerous significant changes, and the team at Northampton has enthusiastically seized the opportunity to make Toymaster even better than it already was.”

Finally, Stephen Hartfield of Kids Stuff has been appointed head of Toymaster’s Member Committee. The role of the Member Committee is to shape and drive the group’s marketing efforts and to promote the group in a way that moves it forward. Stephen will help to co-ordinate the members within the committee as part of this remit.

Stephen commented: “I am proud to be asked to be head of the Toymaster Member Committee, and I look forward to working closely with the team in Northampton and the other members of the committee to drive the group forward.”