Doug Wadleigh | Source: Spin Master/The Toy Book

Spin Master is bolstering its executive ranks with a newly created position within its toys creative center.

Doug Wadleigh has joined the company as head of global toy brands. In his new role, Wadleigh will oversee the development and health of the company’s toy brands, reporting to Spin Master’s President of Toys and Chief Commercial Officer Chris Beardall.

“Doug has deep experience with industry-leading toys and games manufacturers, coupled with a strategic mindset and proven track record of accelerating growth,” Beardall says. “With Doug’s leadership, combined with the strength of our diversified toy portfolio, Spin Master is well-positioned for continued growth and to deliver on our vision of creating play experiences that spark creativity and imagination in kids around the world.”

Wadleigh joins Spin Master from Goliath, where he was tapped to establish a Los Angeles-based toy division in the fall of 2020. He previously led the Baby Box Co. and held positions at Loot Crate and Warner Bros. Wadleigh spent more than 20 years at Mattel across two stints in which he worked on brands including Hot Wheels, WWE, and Disney Princess.

Related: State of the Industry Q&A 2022: Spin Master

“Spin Master has built an exceptional reputation as a leader in innovation, rooted in its focus on providing kids and their families with the most amazing toy and game experiences,” said Wadleigh. “I’m excited to join a culture where innovation drives growth and for the opportunity to work with the talented Spin Master team to further accelerate the company’s award-winning brands, evergreen franchises, and esteemed partner licenses.”

Spin Master began a transformation in December 2020 with some executive shifts and the creation of three distinct creative centers: toys, entertainment, and digital games.

About the author

James Zahn

James Zahn

James Zahn, AKA The Rock Father, is Editor-in-Chief of The Toy Book, a Senior Editor at The Toy Insider and The Pop Insider, and Editor of The Toy Report, The Toy Book‘s weekly industry newsletter. As a pop culture and toy industry expert, Zahn has appeared as a panelist and guest at events including Comic-Con International: San Diego (SDCC) Wizard World Chicago, and the ASTRA Marketplace & Academy. Zahn has more than 30 years of experience in the entertainment, retail, and publishing industries, and is frequently called upon to offer expert commentary for publications such as Forbes, Marketwatch, the Wall Street Journal, the New York Times, USA Today, Reuters, the Washington Post, and more. James has appeared on History Channel’s Modern Marvels, was interviewed by Larry King and Anderson Cooper, and has been seen on Yahoo! Finance, CNN, CNBC, FOX Business, NBC, ABC, CBS, WGN, The CW, and more. Zahn joined the Adventure Media & Events family in 2016, initially serving as a member of the Parent Advisory Board after penning articles for the Netflix Stream Team, Fandango Family, PBS KIDS, Sprout Parents (now Universal Kids), PopSugar, and Chicago Parent. He eventually joined the company full time as a Senior Editor and moved up the ranks to Deputy Editor and Editor-in-Chief.

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