Nigel Kay appointed as sales director, while Gareth Mitchell is appointed operations manager. 

L-R: Nigel Kay and Gareth Mitchell.

Nigel will lead the UK sales team across all Bandai UK brands, including Robozuna, Thunderbirds Are Go, Bananas, Pomsies and Rescue Runts.

Nigel comes equipped with over 16 years’ experience in the toy industry, having held roles with brands such as Hasbro – where he spent more than seven years managing the Toy Specialist channel and, more recently, the Growth Channel – and Mattel, where he was responsible for formulating a new business/business development strategy.

Prior to Hasbro, Nigel cut his toy industry teeth at Corinthian Marketing, where his eight-year stint as sales director included the re-launch of the phenomenally successful In My Pocket brand, as well as the Microstars and Prostars football collectible brands. He also spent a number of years in the food industry, working as commercial manager at global blue chip FMCG food business Unilever/Bestfoods.

“This is a brilliant time to be joining Bandai UK,” commented Nigel. “The company has launched a number of stellar toy brands in the past year, all of which continue to evolve with innovative brand extensions and a commitment to quality new product development, so I’m looking forward to driving the team even further forward in 2019.”

Gareth Mitchell also joins retail and wholesale operations. Gareth has spent 14 years in home entertainment retail, with roles at Virgin Retail (Virgin Megastores) as stock control manager and with Entertainment UK as Blu Ray/DVD merchandise planning manager.

Bandai UK’s managing director Nic Aldridge said: “Nigel and Gareth have joined at a key period of evolution for Bandai, strengthening the team as our portfolio continues to grow. While Gareth’s vast experience in logistics and merchandising will serve him well in the Operations position, Nigel’s background is a perfect blend of ‘big brand’ experience coupled with having worked in dynamic, entrepreneurial businesses. Bandai UK is a balance of these two worlds – a fast-moving, ever-evolving organisation, with large-scale corporate backing from the Global Bandai Namco Group. I’m delighted to welcome them both to the team.”