Leo Tsoi will take over the leadership of Toys R Us Asia from interim CEO Pieter Schats, who will remain a member of the board.

The board of directors of Toys R Us Asia has announced the appointment of Leo Tsoi to the role of chief executive officer and member of the board, from April 1st, 2023.

Leo Tsoi brings to the role more than 27 years of consumer retail experience and business leadership in large multi-national brands across Asia. Most recently, Leo served as CEO of Starbucks China where he also served as a member of the Starbucks Global Executive leadership team. Prior to that, Leo held a series of senior roles at Starbucks China including president of Retail, COO, CMO and VP of Store Development & Design, where he played a crucial role in the company’s growth and transformation. Prior to joining Starbucks, he held senior positions in international companies Pepsico and Procter & Gamble, in Greater China.

“Following an extensive global search, we’re thrilled to welcome Leo Tsoi to Toys R Us Asia as our new CEO,” said chairman Drew M. Nuland. “Over the course of his career, Leo has distinguished himself as a bold innovator and inspiring leader who has led rapid growth over a diverse range of product portfolios. He has a proven track record, not only in operational efficiency, digital transformation and brand management, but also in engaging customers throughout the region.”

“I’m honoured to take on this leadership role with Toys R Us Asia, a dynamic and respected retail brand with a strong vision to fuel the imagination of children and inspire their development through play,” commented Leo Tsoi. “I look forward to working with the dedicated teams in our markets to serve our communities across Asia through an elevated customer experience and with meaningful innovations to capture the tremendous growth opportunities ahead.”

Leo Tsoi assumes the helm of Toys R Us Asia from Interim CEO Pieter Schats, who will remain a member of the board.

“As Toys R Us Asia continues to elevate the customer experience in-store and online and build more personalized relationships with kids and families, we’re confident that Leo’s proven leadership skills, extensive consumer knowledge and unwavering focus on people will enable our teams to accelerate growth throughout the region,” added Drew M. Nuland.