Ravensburger AG is strengthening its executive ranks with a repositioning to grow the business globally.
Stephane Madi, formerly Head of Ravensburger Canada, steps into the role of CEO at Ravensburger North America to oversee the business in the U.S. and Canada. Concurrently, Filip Francke takes the lead as Global Head of Games with plans to grow the company’s business around the world as it prepares to enter the trading card game (TCG) market with Disney Lorcana this fall.
“Filip has overseen two important areas of our company during periods of rapid growth with passion and great dedication. As we enter the TCG market, we will rely heavily on his leadership and ingenuity to successfully guide this venture,” says Ravensburger AG CEO Clemens Maier. “At the same time, Stephane will bring his commercial expertise and vast industry knowledge to his new role and continue to build Ravensburger’s brands into household names throughout the U.S. and Canada.”
Madi previously worked with MEGA Brands and joined Ravensburger in 2014. He was promoted to Head of Ravensburger Canada in 2020 and has led growth for the past three years. In his new role, he will oversee the company’s full portfolio of brands, including Ravensburger, BRIO, ThinkFun, and Wonder Forge in the U.S. and Canada.
Francke previously served as CEO of Ravensburger North America and has led growth across a number of categories, including puzzles, games, and toys. In addition to working with the company on its acquisition of ThinkFun and investment in the crowdfunding platform Gamefound, Francke led the launch and growth of Villanous, a board game franchise that includes Disney, Star Wars, and Marvel titles. Since its launch in 2018, Villanous has sold more than 3.5 million units.
Stay on the #pulseofplay and learn more about Ravensburger’s 2023 product range in next month’s issue of The Toy Book — The BIG Toy Book. Don’t miss an issue, subscribe today!
