Toronto-based Spin Master is shaking up its senior leadership in what it calls a move designed to optimize the company “for growth with a renewed commitment to operational excellence as it continues to execute against its long-term strategy.”
In a statement issued this morning, the company says that, “By mutual agreement, effective immediately, Ben Gadbois global president, chief operating officer, and board director and Bill Hess, executive vice president, global operations, and chief information officer are leaving Spin Master.”
Paul Blom assumes the role of interim executive vice president, global operations and technology. He will lead operations and IT teams across North America, Europe, and Asia.
Additionally, Tara Deakin, senior vice president talent management, steps into the role of executive vice president, human resources, and chief people officer of Spin Master. Deakin joined Spin Master last June after serving in senior roles at Rogers Communications, Citigroup, and TD Bank in Canada and the U.S.
“We would like to thank both Ben and Bill for their significant contributions to Spin Master’s growth over the past seven years,” says Ronnen Harary, Spin Master’s co-founder and co-CEO. “We welcome Paul Blom to the Spin Master leadership team and congratulate Tara on her appointment. Both Paul and Tara have deep management experience and a proven track record of leadership. Paul is an agile and collaborative leader who brings strong operational expertise. His passion for excellence, paired with his extensive experience working with global teams makes him a strong addition to our leadership team.”
“Both Ronnen and I want to take this opportunity to thank our employees globally for their continued hard work and dedication,” adds Anton Rabie, co-founder and co-CEO. “Together, we are reimagining where imagination can take us and harnessing our potential to entertain, create joy and inspire play for kids and their families. We are thrilled to announce Tara’s promotion to chief people officer. Tara is a transformational leader who will help position us for the next phase of our growth. Her appointment marks a critical moment in Spin Master’s evolution and our recognition of the need to raise the bar in leading, managing and developing our key asset — people.”
