Industry Moves University Games announces triple appointment University Games and The Lagoon Group have welcome three experienced regional account managers – Stephen Woodman, Kim Steward and Sally Irwin. Stephen Woodman, account manager for South London and the South East, brings with him a wealth of industry and specialist toy knowledge, having spent many years in the industry at Professor Puzzle and Coiled Spring Games. Before joining University Games, he headed up Recent Toys. The new account manager for the North of London and the Home Counties is Kim Steward. Kim joins with a vast amount of experience in the pharmaceutical industry, and the company says her transferable knowledge and sales expertise will be a great benefit to the team. Completing the trio of appointments is Sally Irwin, who will be overseeing Kim Steward Stephen Woodman Sally Irwin The Midlands. Sally has experience in both the gift and game industries, having previously worked at Carte Blanche and Wow Toys. Her strong understanding of two of University Games’ strongest categories is considered ‘great news’ for the business and Sally’s customers. Mark Jones, sales director for University Games, believes exciting times lie ahead for the company following the substantial growth of the sales team. He says he is delighted to have the trio onboard, and that they’ll be bringing ‘even greater strength and depth to the business’.
Hasbro’s Licensed CP team welcomes Gabrielle Sims as head of Softlines Hasbro has announced that Gabrielle Sims will be joining its UK Licensed Consumer Products team as head of Softlines business. Gabrielle brings a wealth of experience to this new role, having worked in the licensing industry for over 15 years across some of the largest agencies including IMG and, most recently, leading the licensing programme in-house for fashion brand FatFace. Throughout her career, Gabrielle has built a colourful and diverse network and knowledge of the industry. She has been instrumental in driving the evolution of many entertainment brands, sporting events and character properties into long-term successful licensing programmes and has won numerous awards for her work. “I am thrilled and extremely proud to be joining Hasbro and being able to work on an iconic roster of brands and entertainment properties, some of which were a big part of my childhood growing up,” said Gabrielle. “It greatly excites me to be returning to this area, particularly to be joining such a fantastic team and I can see so much potential and opportunity within the Hasbro portfolio.” “We have big growth plans for our UK business and are thrilled to be adding such strong talent to our team,” added Sally Carnota, category Licensing director at Hasbro UK and Ireland. “Gabrielle’s exceptional creativity and commercial experience will take our Softlines business to the next level. We look forward to welcoming her to the team.
Toynamics unveils new area sales manager Toynamics UK & Ireland has appointed Mark Morgan as new area sales manager South to grow and develop the company's business in the region. Having undergone a major rebrand at the start of last year, Toynamics UK & Ireland enjoyed double digit growth in its first full year of trading and continues to go from strength to strength. Mark will handle sales for the Toynamics brand portfolio of Hape, Skip Hop, Timio, DinosArt, Nebulous Stars and Nanoblock across the infant toy category, with a broad selection of lines, from wooden to music, role play, outdoor, ride-ons, games, puzzles, tech, stem and bath toys. He comes with a wealth of experience in the infant games and wooden toy market and across the retail sector, with contacts ranging from Toymaster to AIS and Tillington Group members, as well as multiple garden centres. Mark joins Toynamics from University Games, where he was responsible for selling family board games, gifts, and puzzles. Previously Mark worked for Juratoys across the Janod, Kaloo and Alex brands. David Allan, MD at Toynamics UK & Ireland, said: “We are delighted to be expanding the Toynamics sales team. Mark will be focused on growing our business in the South with our independent accounts, as well as developing new business across our ever growing and exciting brand portfolio.” Mark can be contacted via mark.morgan@toynamics.co.uk.
Jeremy Robinson offers freelance toy and licensing services Long-time industry executive Jeremy (Jez) Robinson is currently working in a freelance consultancy capacity across the toy and licensing industries, and would be happy to hear from any companies looking for a reliable and adaptable sales resource in the UK market. Jeremy has a wealth of experience, with previous roles from his extensive CV including UK sales manager for Tomy and UK country manager for Schleich. In a consultant capacity, he is ideally placed to offer tailor-made advice and solutions to a wide range of organisations, to suit their specific requirements. “Being able to utilise my network and experience on behalf of my current partners has been hugely enjoyable, and we have been able to deliver some very strong results in a very short timeframe,” Jeremy told Toy World. “Having access to proven and flexible support seems to be an attractive option for companies looking to help build their UK presence at this time and, with some spare capacity, I would be pleased to discuss how I can assist any other parties looking to build their UK presence in the toy and licensing markets” Jeremy can be contacted on +44 (0)7772 482 255 and on jez330@aol.com.
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