David Kelly has joined the company as VP Sales UK and Ireland, as Skillmatics eyes the region as a growth market.

Skillmatics is an award-winning games, puzzles and arts & crafts company which is launching its hugely successful ranges to the UK and Irish markets.

The award-winning global brand develops innovative toys and games that enable children to build core skills through the joy of play, with a wide range of products across card & board games, pre-school learning aids, puzzles, STEM toys and arts and crafts.

After incredible success, especially in the US and India, owner Grasper Global has now set its sights on establishing the UK as one of its biggest growth markets. The recruitment of David Kelly as VP of Sales and Marketing, UK and Ireland, is the company’s first step in developing new business in the region.

Dave has spent the last 20 years helping establish current leading brands at Depesche UK (Top Model) and Magformers UK, with a skill set perfectly suited to building brands from scratch in new markets. He commented: “I’ve had the privilege of working with some great brands and people over the last 20 years. It’s always a big challenge building something from scratch, however the foundations on which these success stories are built are always dependant on having a brilliantly executed product range. Skillmatics has that in abundance.”

Dave explained that the company has an amazing team based out of Mumbai and said that the production quality and innovative new products were very exciting. “We are scooping up some great awards,” he added, “and sales growth is driven by great SSPs, great margins, great content and full diverse options in terms of marketing and promotions to help drive high level volume sales.”

The company is vertically integrated, with all products being manufactured at the family’s 50 year old printing and packaging business based in Mumbai. With 12 state of the art factories across India, the company supplies leading global names such as McDonalds, Unilever, Mondelez, Nestle, Hasbro, Spin Master and L’Oreal.

“Our vertical integration ensures excellent product quality and the manufacture of sustainable products,” Dave said. “It enables us to launch products at a much faster rate than traditional incumbents, which is a huge advantage.”

The company is working with licences such as Marvel, Disney, Harry Potter and Peppa Pig. Dave said: “This underpins how serious we are about building something really special here and I am so excited at being a part of this success”.

To find out more on the Skillmatics range, contact Dave on david.kelly@skillmaticsworld.com or 01244 940 200.