Hape, parent of Marbel, is a global company specialising in quality toys with subsidiaries and offices in most major countries.

Hape International has appointed David Allan as managing director of its wholly owned subsidiary Marbel, effective from 1st August. David is well known in the toy trade; as well as working with key brands in the business for over 30 years, he has spent the last 12 years as director of the leading distributor DKL Marketing.

“I shall be very sad to leave DKL Marketing as it’s been a great 12 years,” David commented. “However, this is a fantastic opportunity to take my next step as MD of an international company which is ready to invest and grow in the UK market. As well as distributing its own brand, Hape will give Marbel the resources to make it a major UK distributor, and I look forward to working with our UK retailers and new suppliers.”

Purity Deng, head of the European Business Unit at Hape International, added: “We are delighted to have secured David Allan, who brings with him many years of experience in the UK toy market, and of managing a distributor. Marbel (soon to be rebranded) is key to Hape’s growth plans both as a brand and as a distributor of quality brands. With David on board, we are now ready for that growth.”