Diane’s appointment as director of Buying follows that of Mike Coogan, Marketing and eCommerce director, as Toys R Us proceeds with its UK return. 

It has been announced that Diane Lee has been appointed director of Buying for Toys R Us UK. Diane has over 30 years’ experience in merchandising and buying, having previously worked at Toys R Us UK, Hamleys, Early Learning Centre and Mothercare. In her new role, Diane will manage and direct buying and product strategy within Toys R Us and Babies R Us.

Her arrival comes as Toys R Us ANZ Limited and WHP Global, the parent company of Toys R Us and Babies R Us, continue with their plans to bring digital and physical retail commerce for Toys R Us and Babies R Us back to the UK. Online sales will commence over the coming months, initially from existing operations in Australia, while the company works to establish local teams, offices and logistics facilities this year and into 2023.

Diane’s appointment is not the first senior hire to be made: Mike Coogan joined the retailer in the role of Marketing and eCommerce director in December. At the time of Mike’s appointment, Louis Mitton, CEO and MD, Toys R Us Australia, told Toy World: “I’m very excited to welcome Mike Coogan as our first UK senior appointment to the position of Marketing and eCommerce director. With experience of 27 years within the former Toys R Us UK operation, Mike holds an intimate understanding of the Toys R Us and Babies R Us brands within the UK toy and baby retail context.”

Diane and Mike will both be representing Toys R Us UK at London Toy Fair next week.