The Toy Association has announced the election of seven new members to its board of directors, alongside two term renewals, following its annual general meeting.
It was also announced during the AGM that president and CEO of Build-A-Bear Workshop Sharon Price John was elected as chairperson, which also saw the Association outlining the ways in which it is “listening to, engaging with, and bringing together the industry”, as well as how it is fighting against legislation that might hamper business and other obstacles to trade, while revealing further details of the forthcoming LA fall preview and next year’s Toy Fair.
The proceedings were opened by chairman emeritus and founder and executive chair of Crazy Aaron’s Aaron Muderick, who presented the 2024 Chairperson’s Award to Steven Aarons, founder of Child’s Play Toys & Books, a retailer based in Washington DC. Muderick is coming to the end of his two year term and, after being replaced by Sharon Price John, will take over the role of chair of the Board Nominating Committee, and also serve as a member of the chair’s Advisory Committee.
“We are grateful to Aaron Muderick for his leadership these past two years and dedication to protecting and promoting the collective interests of our industry”
Toy Association president and chief executive Andy Keimach
Toy Association president and chief executive Andy Keimach said: “We are grateful to Aaron Muderick for his leadership these past two years and dedication to protecting and promoting the collective interests of our industry. As an inventor, entrepreneur, and accomplished business owner, Aaron’s tenure has been characterized by a profound understanding of our diverse membership base and a steadfast commitment to advocating for all within the expansive toy and play community.
“With Sharon Price John assuming the role of chairperson, we welcome an exceptional visionary whose guidance promises to steer our organization toward continued growth and innovation. Sharon’s diverse toy background and impressive tenure at Build-A-Bear Workshop speaks volumes about her strategic acumen and leadership. Her proven track record of revitalizing brands across companies and driving sustainable success will undoubtedly bolster our mission of advancing the toy and play industry.”
Kaimach also took a state-of-the-nation look at the industry, as well as encouraging the toy community to get involved with the Association’s work, and also outlining plans for the LA preview.
Seven new members were elected to the Toy Association’s board of directors, these are: ishChandran, CEO of Wild Republic; Tim Kilpin, president of toys, licensing, & entertainment at Hasbro; Bryan Scott, vice president of merchandising at Target; Wes Hardin, CEO of Diverse Marketing; Max Rangel, director, global president, & CEO of Spin Master; Rob Michaelis, vice president of commercialization, parks, experiences, & consumer products at The Walt Disney Company; and Duncan Billing, chair of the board of advisors at Moose Toys.
Two members were elected to serve additional two-year terms: Anne Carrihill, director & general manager, category leader of toys & games at Amazon and Geoffrey Greenberg, co-president of Just Play.
The six outgoing board members – Chris Harrs, executive vice president general counsel & secretary at Spin Master; Bridgette Miller, chief marketing & sustainability officer at Melissa & Doug; Melissa Millo, vice president of strategy & operations, at Target; Michael Keaton, CEO of Toysmith; Andrew Quartin, CEO of Thames & Kosmos; and Andy Weiner, chief advisor of Toy’n Around – were all praised for their work.
Kaimach added: “The Toy Association team, alongside our board of directors and numerous volunteer committees, is laser focused on addressing the diverse needs of members across all scales and sectors and the industry as a whole. Whether they are established household brands or emerging startups and inventors, every company contributes significantly to the vitality, expansion, and innovation within the toy and play community. Between our advocacy work, data-driven research and education offerings, trend reports, and other strategic initiatives, we will continue to protect the industry from legislative roadblocks, deliver toys to children in need through The Toy Foundation, provide invaluable resources for navigating market complexities, and champion the importance of play.”
