Skyrocket Taps Former Bandai Exec for UK General Manager

Los Angeles-based Skyrocket confirmed plans to expand its presence in the UK. The toymaker hired Amy Saunders, previously with Bandai UK, as Skyrocket UK general manager. Saunders will step into the new role on March 1, reporting to the London area headquarters, where she will focus on continuing to establish Skyrocket’s brands in the region, increase sales, and streamline the demand for its products.

“After a happy 18 years with Bandai UK this is a whole new chapter for me in the toy industry and for my career as a whole,” says Saunders. “When faced with the opportunity of this new challenge, the proposition was irresistible. I am looking forward to being a part of Skyrocket’s launch of their innovative and exciting new products at retail.”

Skyrocket UK began to make its presence known at London Toy Fair this past January, meeting directly with UK retailers. The company is best known for its Sky Viper Drones and original IP such as Pomsies, Grumblies, and the forthcoming Blume.

About the author

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.