Rubies’ German team will expand with Alexandra Knack, who joins as country manager and Stefan Brandenburger, who will join as head of sales.
Alexandra Knack
As Rubies rejuvenates its European operation and continues to expand across the continent, the company’s German division welcomes two new personnel to spearhead its sales operations in the region. In a constantly changing retail market, Rubies has adopted an ever-evolving 365 business approach that will now be embodied in Germany by Alexandra Knack, who joins as country manager and Stefan Brandenburger, who will join as head of sales.
Mike O’Connell, COO, commented: “Both Stefan and Alexandra’s reputation precedes them as two of the best minds in the German toy and party market and I am excited to see what they can bring to the table, both in executing our pre-existing business plans and in creating unprecedented growth for our German business.”
Alexandra has decades of experience in the toy and entertainment industry. From classic retail in her parents’ toy store, to over a decade at Müller Handels GmbH & Co. KG in Ulm, where she held the title of senior buyer for the girls, babies and on-trend toys category, to six years at Toys R Us Cologne as a buyer, her extensive knowledge of trend forecasting and industry knowledge has been enhanced by a wide range of experience.
Alexandra will be directly responsible for developing Rubies business model in the German, Austrian and Swiss markets, ensuring agreed business objectives are met within the territory as well as implementing visionary sales and marketing tactics to ensure Rubies upholds its reputation whilst driving local growth. She will also focus on events planning and developing Rubies relationships within the territory, whilst maintaining the daily management of Rubies Team GSA.
Stefan Brandenburger
With over nine years at Smiffys as regional sales manager GSA, Stefan Brandenburger combines a track record of proven sales growth with responsibility for managing a team across Europe. He brings a wealth of contacts in the toy-, party- and dress-up industry, plus an innovative mindset and communication orientated approach to leadership.
Stefan’s role as head of sales will be to oversee the implementation of both new business plans and strategies for various retail channels as well as executing new product launches and promotions in line with Rubies pre-existing industry-leading reputation.
Mike O’Connell added: “Our German team has a strong driving force behind it with innovative ideas which will enable us to evolve as a company in our multinational directive and I am proud to welcome both Alexandra and Stefan to the team to pave the way for a Rubies in Germany, the likes of which have never been seen before.”
