This year marks the first-ever Rising Star Awards, with winners commended for their role in helping to shape the success of the Canadian toy market.
Clockwise: Justine Wong, Rochelle Pires, Rakan Al-Shawaf and Pablo Eder, and Jessica Shaheen
The Canadian Toy Association (CTA) has announced the winners of its 2022 Rising Star Awards, the first to be honoured in the inaugural year of the prestigious annual awards programme. The Rising Star Award recognises emerging leaders in the toy industry whose achievements reflect exceptional growth and impact across the fields of manufacturing, retail and marketing.
The winners will be showcased, and presented with the awards recognising their contributions to the industry, on 17th November, at the Canadian Toy Association (CTA) Hall of Fame reception and dinner event at the Mississauga Convention Centre.
The CTA would like to congratulate the following 2022 Canadian Toy Association Rising Star Award Winners:
- Rakan Al-Shawaf, co-founder of Makeship
- Pablo Eder, co-founder of Makeship
- Rochelle Pires, director Sales, Hasbro
- Jessica Shaheen, head of Corporate Brand, Mastermind Toys
- Justine Wong, director of Marketing, Moose Toys Canada
“The Canadian toy industry is driven by an incredible diversity of talent and emerging leaders demonstrating leadership, entrepreneurship and creativity in our businesses,” said Graeme Bissett, chair of the Canadian Toy Association. “We are honoured to recognise and congratulate this year’s first-ever Rising Star winners for their incredible role in helping to shape the success of our business.”
Founded in 1932, the Canadian Toy Association is a not-for-profit trade association whose members include manufacturers, importers, retailers and distributors of toys, games, seasonal and hobby products. CTA provides a strong voice for Canada’s $2.3b toy industry and internationally. Through the association, CTA’s members work together for the betterment of the industry.
