5 minute read
Industry Moves
Moose Toys announces promotion of Logan Stone
Moose Toys has announced that Logan Stone has been promoted to vice president of Marketing and Brand Strategy across the UK and Europe. The position follows Logan’s decade of dedication to the World’s Apart and Moose Toys businesses, during which she has been an instrumental part of the growth success of the Moose Europe hub.
As vice president, Logan will have full responsibility of brand and marketing strategy across Europe, working collaboratively with sales and internal teams to deliver the European strategy plan and growth targets to meet the company’s long-term goals.
“Moose is renowned for having innovation at the heart of its product, and I’m excited to work closely with our global and local EU teams to ensure we have the right brand and product portfolio for success,” said Logan. “A key focus is continuing to lead our amazing marketing teams to deliver best-in-class marketing campaigns, ensuring we remain laser focused on being the most innovative toy company across all touch points.”
Throughout Logan’s career, she has brought creative flair and a commercial mindset to each role and was pivotal in the Moose Europe expansion in 2019. Previously, she has held various marketing, product development and PR positions across a range of national and international brands spanning the toy, fast-moving consumer goods and travel industries.
“Logan has shown incredible dedication to the business over the past decade," said Emily Maclennan, senior vice president, Sales & Marketing UK & Europe, Moose Toys. "She is the perfect leader to help drive our long-term strategic plan across Europe. She will ensure we have the right brand and product mix, coupled with innovative marketing, to efficiently drive business growth. A huge congratulations on her achievements to date that have underpinned her transition to this new role.”
Toynamics names new MD and sales hires
With over 16 years of experience in the global baby and children's products sector, working in senior positions in children’s furniture and accessory companies, both in manufacturing and distribution, Nikita Semenrov has moved to the UK from Germany after being involved in setting up a children’s and junior furniture distribution company there.
Nikita will be responsible for setting the strategic direction and driving continued growth for all Toynamics brands as he joins the senior leadership team. He commented: “I am thrilled to be joining the business during such an exciting time period. We have lots of untapped opportunities in the market."
To support Toynamics UK & Ireland's growth plans, the business has also expanded its sales team, with Julian Jones joining as a business development manager. Focusing on new business across National and Key accounts, Julian brings with him a wealth of experience in new business development. Michelle Canada also joins the sales team as an Inside Sales executive, having been promoted from finance assistant. Michelle will be utilising her previous seven years of experience as a buyer to support key and national accounts.
Dennis Gies, European managing director, commented: “Last year marked a significant phase of expansion for the Hape Group. We made substantial investments in our production facilities across Europe and greatly enhanced our manufacturing capabilities. I am confident that our newly expanded Toynamics UK team will boost our growth in our wide portfolio range, while also supporting our existing customers with new and enhanced support.”
Skillmatics appoints raft of sales agents
Having only launched in Q4 2023, Skillmatics is already attracting major interest from some of the UK’s most progressive retailers. Early sales have exceeded expectations, resulting in the company securing the services of four renowned and respected sales agents covering key areas of the UK and Ireland.
Stu Nicholas covers the Midlands and North West. Stu has been in the industry for many years, representing brands such as Gibsons, Flair, Learning Resources and Smart Games. He is well known within the trade.
Damien Leahy, covering the North and Scotland, has been working in the toy and gift industry for more than 25 years. Representing brands such as Airfix, Revell, Papo and Tonies as an account manager, key account manager and category manager, Damien was responsible for covering the North of England, Scotland and Ireland.
London and the South East is covered by Ray Nedas. Prior to joining the toy business as Field Sales manager for Flair, Ray worked for children’s arts & crafts companies. In 2005, he set up his own agency, starting off with Flair’s the Gifty Range. He is currently working with independent retailers, garden centres, museums and destination venues.
Steven Minford, covering the Republic of Ireland, Northern Ireland and the Isle of Man, has worked in the toy industry for many years including the family business, working as a toy distributor. Steven has represented brands such as IMC, Flair, Leapfrog, Worlds Apart, Posh Paws and is well known amongst most retailers across Ireland.
David Kelly, VP Sales & Marketing at Skillmatics, commented: “It’s always a big challenge building something from scratch. However, the foundations on which success stories are built are always dependant on having a brilliantly executed product range and a great sales team to help get our products on shelves. I am delighted to welcome Stu, Damien, Ray and Steven to the team. It's already apparent that their knowledge and experience makes them a perfect fit for our product portfolios and I am really excited to be working with them."
