The Toy Association’s Annual General Meeting went virtual this year with the gathering taking place on Zoom. During the event, new members were elected to serve on The Toy Association board of directors; three were re-elected to serve additional two-year terms; and The Toy Association’s refreshed executive committee was revealed.
“Opening up nominations this year to candidates beyond the C-Suite has not only provided us with a new slate of board members with vast experience and expertise but a group whose fresh perspectives will be essential as the Association and our members continue to navigate an uncertain retail landscape in the years ahead,” says Skip Kodak, chairperson of The Toy Association board of directors and regional president, Americas at The LEGO Group. “We are thrilled to have them help steer the future outlook for the Association.”
TOY ASSOCIATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS
New, first term members include:
- Kathrin Belliveau, chief purpose officer at Hasbro;
- Erica Buxton, chief operating officer at Razor USA;
- Ashley Mady, head of brand development at Basic Fun!;
- Anne Parducci, chief content officer at MGA Entertainment;
- and Dion Vlachos, executive vice president, hardlines and retail at ViacomCBS Consumer Products.
Existing members serving additional two-year terms:
- Aaron Muderick, founder and executive chairman of Crazy Aaron’s Puttyworld;
- Michael Rinzler, co-president at Wicked Cool Toys and executive vice president & partner at Jazwares LLC;
- and Steve Totzke, executive vice president and chief commercial officer at Mattel.
Term conclusions:
- John Frascotti, president and COO of Hasbro, has concluded his final term.
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE:
The Toy Association’s new executive committee was elected by the board members on Feb. 25 during their winter meeting. Members include:
- Skip Kodak of The LEGO Group as chairperson;
- Aaron Muderick of Crazy Aaron’s Putty World as vice-chairperson;
- Timothy Kilpin of PlayMonster as secretary-treasurer;
- Steve Totzke of Mattel as member at large;
- Sharon Price John of Build-A-Bear Workshop as member at large.
Toy Association President and CEO Steve Pasierb will continue to serve on the executive committee in an ex officio role.
Members also voted in favor of two updates to the Association bylaws, which provides the opportunity to expand the board to no more than 21 members (previously 17) and allows the chairperson to appoint up to six (previously four) additional members at large to the chairperson’s advisory committee.
“The approval of these amendments coupled with the appointment of new board members emphasize the commitment of The Toy Association to maintain diverse and inclusive governance that represents the broad toy and play community,” says Pasierb. “2020, despite its challenges, verified what we in the industry already know: the powerful positive impact of toys, games, and play products on the lives of today’s consumers. As our staff and many committees collaborate with the newly expanded board, the Association continues to be well positioned to protect and promote not only our member companies but all businesses vital to bringing toys and play to families around the world.”
More details on the Association’s Annual General Meeting can be found at toyassociation.org.
