Taking up the role of financial controller, Katie Ratcliffe will be working alongside Steve Townsley, Sambro’s interim chief financial officer, as the company bolsters its finance department.

Katie Ratcliffe

Sambro has strengthened its UK finance team with a new hire Katie Ratcliffe as financial controller.

Katie will be working alongside Steve Townsley, who joined the business in November as Interim Chief Financial Officer, bringing with him a wealth of experience working within private equity backed businesses, including Accrol, UK Fast and Help-Link.

Katie will focus on driving business change, developing financial strategies and managing the delivery of core finance processes. Katie Ratcliffe is a CIMA qualified accountant, with more than 17 years’ experience in the sector, including at Marks & Spencer and Paradigm Precision.

CEO Paul Blackaby said: “These new hires are strategically fundamental to bolstering our already successful team and further developing our existing finance department. Steve brings with him a wealth of financial knowledge and leadership qualities, while Katie brings a clear, practical approach to problem solving and the drive to see projects through to completion.”

Steve Townsley

“Both Steve and Katie have already hit the ground running in their respective roles and we’re delighted to have them onboard. They are joining a well-established department with long-standing, experienced team members and they will be made very welcome.”

As a leading global supplier of licensed as well as own-brand toys, Sambro enjoys close relationships with top licensors, including Disney, Paramount, Mattel and Hasbro, creating value-led, creative product ranges with leading licensing brands including, Paw Patrol, Peppa Pig, Barbie, Disney and Marvel, in addition to own-IP products such as Puzzle Palz and Love & Hugs.