Source: Allison+Partners/The Toy Book
Steven W. Smith, public relations toy industry veteran, has died after complications from heart surgery.
Smith worked in the industry for more than 50 years and notably created the public relations campaign that launched Teddy Ruxpin, one of the most iconic toys from the ‘80s. Smith opened his first firm in 1984, working with Bandai, General Mills, Target, Nike, Home Savings, and the World of Wonders before the firm was purchased by Saatchi & Saatchi.
“Steven was a true professional,” says Scott Allison, Chairman and CEO of Allison+Partners. “When we started our company and opened our offices in Los Angeles, Steven joined our co-founder, Scott Pansky, and helped us grow the office bringing several of his team members and clients with him including Cakebread Cellars and the Blackhawk Network, formerly Safeway Gift Cards.”
He relaunched his firm in 1992 as Smith Public Relations with clients including Mattel, McKesson Corp., Carl’s Jr., Best Buy, Vivendi Universal, and Capitol EMI. He joined Allison+Partners as Senior Vice President in 2002.
Smith graduated from California State University, Northridge with a bachelor’s degree in journalism. He is survived by his son Todd and his sister Robyn Askenaizer, her husband Gary, and her sons Adam and Chris.
In lieu of flowers, gifts can be made to the Steven W. Smith Journalism Scholarship at California State University, Northridge Foundation, 18111 Nordhoff Street – Valera Hall 110, Northridge, CA 91330-8296 or at csun.edu.
