Industry Moves

Shahbaz Khan to depart Clementoni UK

Clementoni UK country manager Shahbaz Khan will be leaving the business at the end of January, after nearly a decade with the company.

Shahbaz joined Clementoni in 2013 having previously spent five years at Argos as a toy buyer. In his role as country manager, Shahbaz has overseen the full UK operation and has strongly contributed to establishing Clementoni as a preferred supplier in the UK for infant and pre-school toys, STEM kits and puzzles. In this period, Clementoni has seen double digit growth each year through increased distribution, high quality, innovative products and partnerships with key licensors.

Guido Vingiani, general manager of the Clementoni Group, said: “Shahbaz has been a fantastic asset to the Clementoni family. We have experienced continuous growth since he joined – even through the pandemic – and we thank him for the dedication and passion he has always put into the brand and his job. We are certainly sorry to see him go but support his decision and wish him every success in his next venture. The UK market is incredibly important to the Clementoni group, and we are committed to long term success. We have strong plans in place for 2022 and beyond and look forward to welcoming colleagues and customers at London and Nuremberg Toy Fairs.”

Shahbaz commented: “I have enjoyed every moment of my time at Clementoni and feel proud at the achievements I have made even through the toughest couple of years. I feel I am leaving the business in a strong position, and long may its success continue. I take with me fond memories of Clementoni and the toy industry as a whole that I will forever cherish, and I look forward to my next challenge.”

Character Options announces senior promotions

Character Options has announced the promotions of Jon Elliott and Mark Hunt to director level in the company.

Jon Elliott has been promoted to R&D commercial director. In his new role, Jon will work alongside Al Dewar, creative director and Gary Parker, senior R&D manager, in Character Options’ successful in-house development team.

Jon Elliott

Mark Hunt has also been given promotion to marketing director, and will report to Jerry Healy, group marketing director. Mark’s primary objective will be to focus on the continuing development of Character Options as well as new marketing directives for Proxy, the Nordic based toy company which Character Group acquired a substantial share of in 2018. His remit will cover all product ranges, in order to maintain their successful growth across all marketing platforms.

Mark Hunt

The new promotions were announced by managing director, Joe Kissane, who added: “I hope you will join me in congratulating both Jon and Mark on this well-deserved recognition and wish them every success in their new roles.”

Toys R Us UK makes first senior hire with Mike Coogan

Mike Coogan has joined the retailer in the role of Marketing and eCommerce director and will assist Toys R Us and Babies R Us in establishing operations in the UK.

Louis Mitton, CEO and MD, Toys R Us Australia, told Toy World: “I’m very excited to welcome Mike as our first UK senior appointment to the position of Marketing and eCommerce director. With experience of 27 years within the former Toys R Us UK operation, Mike holds an intimate understanding of the Toys R Us and Babies R Us brands within the UK toy and baby retail context.”

Also bringing with him experience of working for Argos, in his new role, Mike will oversee development and management of the eCommerce and marketing teams. His extensive expertise spans e-fulfilment, web development, call centre operations and digital marketing.

His previous experience with the company means that he is well versed in both the Toys R Us and Babies R Us brands, and also has a track record for driving growth and maximising return on investment. Mike started the role in December. Meanwhile, the search for the wider Toys R Us UK team is underway. Louis added: “The year ahead for Toys R Us and Babies R Us brands globally is very exciting. At Toys R Us UK, we’re searching for senior management, planners, customer support, marketing/content generation, web development and other positions.” Interested parties can find out more by visiting http://eepurl.com/hMEbL1. Meanwhile, potential freight, logistics, 3PL, toy and baby vendor partners should register interest at http://eepurl.com/hL38FL. Louis concluded: “Congratulations Mike, and welcome (back) to the Toys R Us family.

Bladez Toyz appoints new team members

Bladez Toyz is excited to announce the appointment of three new team members. The company has welcomed Nikki Janowski as national account manager, George Leeson as assistant designer and Emily O'Donnell as QA administrator to its growing team.

Nikki brings with her a wealth of knowledge and experience working within the gift, licensed gift, homewares and toy industries, with a strong sales background. Nikki said she was "extremely pleased" to re-join the toy and licensing industry. "I'm looking forward to working with the exciting and innovative licensed brand portfolio, helping further develop the already fast-growing business of Bladez Toyz at this exciting time," she commented.

Nikki Janowski

George joins the team following his graduation in 2021 with a 1st Class Honours Degree in industrial design. He brings with him experience of the gift industry, having spent his placement year working on ranges of licenced products. George said: "I have always loved the toy industry and am very excited to join Bladez and further develop my skills."

George Leeson

Emily has a wealth of experience working in childcare for 10 years, gaining a good knowledge on risks, hazards and the importance of quality checking, leading her onto her previous QA role working within the oil industry alongside engineers working on large projects for clients. Emily added that she too is "very excited to join the toy industry and Bladez Toyz."

Emily O'Donnell

Speaking of the appointments, Iain Morgan, CEO for Bladez Toyz, commented: "I am delighted to welcome the trio on board. As Nikki, George and Emily join Bladez Toyz, the company is looking forward to another incredible year ahead."