Jim Pitocco, President of Steiff North America, will retire effective Dec. 31. Pitocco will continue his long association with Steiff by transitioning to the Steiff North America board, where he will support the ongoing development of the organization on an as-needed basis.
“During the last two decades, there have been many successes, challenges, and changes at Steiff North America,” PItocco says. “The repositioning of Steiff from a collectible brand to a plush-based business in the North American market creates the strongest foundation for future success.”
PItocco will be succeeded by Felix Oeding-Erdel, who served as Head of Finance in a biotech business with more than 50 employees for the past two and a half years, where he was responsible for financial, strategic, and marketing initiatives. Prior to that position, he was the Project Manager at his family business, developing and implementing an online shop and management information system for fine jewelry and watches.
“I would like to thank Jim for both his professional and his personal commitment to the company during his considerable length of service,” says Frank Rheinboldt, CEO of Margarete Steiff GmbH. “His passion for the Steiff brand and especially, for promoting the American market, has always been at the forefront of his efforts. We wish both Felix and Jim every success as Steiff North America continues to develop and take advantage of new opportunities both digitally and with traditional retail distribution.”
Visit Steiff in Booth No. 2788 at Toy Fair this weekend.
