Dirk Cremelie, supported by Emmanuel Verledens, takes up the reins as Paul Lannoy and Dick Verhoye start their retirement. 

L-R: Dirk Cremelie and Emmanuel Verledens

N.V. Simba Toys Benelux S.A., the subsidiary of the Belgian-headquartered Simba Dickie Group, has announced a change to its management as long-standing managing directors Paul Lannoy and Dick Verhoye start their well-earned retirement. The pair is handing over leadership of the company to Dirk Cremelie and Emmanuel Verledens.

According to Manfred Duschl, CFO of the Simba Dickie Group in Fürth/Germany, Dirk Cremelie will be appointed as managing director, and Emmanuel Verledens will support him as sales and marketing director.

Paul Lannoy and Dick Verhoye founded their company in 1987 with the aim of selling toys, like the Simba and Dickie brands. In 2000 they developed their own plush toy collection called Nicotoy, and in 2006, Nicotoy became part of the Simba Dickie Group as a joint venture.

The entire board of the Simba Dickie Group has sent its best wishes to the two long-standing partners. The board put out a statement which says: “We would like to thank Dick and Paul for their commitment and successful collaboration over the years, and wish them all the best for the next phase of their lives. Dirk and Emmanuel are long-standing and valued members of the team in Aalbeke, and we are delighted to have appointed them as managers. We wish them every success in their new roles.”