Learning Resources managing director Dennis Blackmore will continue in an advisory role as he hands the reins to current COO Simon Tomlinson from 1st May 2024.
Dennis Blackmore (left) and Simon Tomlinson (right)
Learning Resources has today announced a leadership succession plan that will enable the company to continue its mission of creating the highest quality hands-on educational toys and learning aids.
Simon Tomlinson, currently chief operating officer, will succeed Dennis Blackmore as managing director. Dennis will continue his involvement with the company in an advisory role, with special responsibility for Product and Licensing. The changes are effective from 1st May 2024.
Dennis started the King’s Lynn company in 1994 on behalf of Learning Resources of Vernon Hills, Illinois, USA, initially selling the company’s educational toys and learning aids into the education market in the UK and Europe. He successfully expanded sales into the Middle East, Africa and India and guided the company into the toy market, most recently winning the master toy licence for the Numberblocks brand. The company now has 50 employees and customers in more than 60 countries.
Simon joined the company in 2017 as head of Marketing and held roles as commercial director and most recently COO. In his time with the company, he has overseen the development of marketing and sales strategies, increased the company’s retail footprint and played a key role in shaping the growth trajectory of the business.
Simon said: “I am incredibly proud to be offered the opportunity to lead a great team of people into the next chapter of Learning Resources and am determined to continue our rapid growth in the toy industry.”
“This is an exciting next step in our company’s journey,” added Dennis. “I look forward to watching the company grow under Simon’s leadership, and believe the future is bright for our brands and our team.”
Rick Woldenberg, CEO of Learning Resources, Inc., commented: “Dennis has been a visionary global leader for our company and has been a key player in brand building and market development over the past 30 years. I am grateful we have such a capable leader in Simon to take over from Dennis. He is ready to carry forward Dennis’ legacy and strongly committed to making Learning Resources a great place to work.”
