The Toy Association (TA) elected Michael Keaton, president of Schleich North America, to its board of directors. Keaton will be responsible for representing the interests of TA members who are manufacturers.

Keaton is a 16-year veteran of the global toy industry. He started his career in toys with the LEGO Group in 2002, first in the U.S. and Canadian markets and then through global roles in Australia and Denmark. He was a board member of the Australian Toy Association (ATA), and a member of its executive committee, working to bring together retailers and manufacturers for the benefit of the industry. Prior to joining the LEGO Group, Keaton worked for The Coca‑Cola Co. and Coca‑Cola Enterprises.

Keaton returned to the North American market upon joining Schleich in October 2015. He plans to utilize his global experience to support TA’s mission to lead the growth and health of the toy industry. He is an active member of TA, project team member on the Genius of Play committee, a private contributor to the Toy Industry Foundation, and a volunteer for Samaritan’s Purse.

Keaton will serve a two-year term beginning February 2018.

About the author

Stephanie Grassullo

Stephanie Grassullo

Stephanie Grassullo is an associate editor at Adventure Publishing Group. In addition to handling toy and licensing news and updates for The Toy Book and The Licensing Book, Stephanie also writes toy reviews and commentaries for the Toy Insider. When she’s not binge-watching old episodes of Gossip Girl, Stephanie is always game for Boggle tournaments—she’s the titleholder Boggle champion in her family, and proud of it! Stephanie firmly believes that there is no awkward moment that can’t be remedied with the help of Bop It. To get to know her better, follow her on Twitter @steph_grass.

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