Anand Shah returns as general counsel, while Brian Maeda takes up the role of chief business development officer at Tru Kids Brands.
Anand Shah named general counsel at Tru Kids Brands.
Tru Kids Brands, parent company of the Toys R Us brand, has announced the expansion of its leadership team.
Anand Shah returns as general counsel, bringing a wealth of experience in the retail and consumer products industries, as well as a deep understanding of the Toys R Us brand and its global footprint. As corporate counsel at Toys R Us from 2012 to 2017, Anand was responsible for global corporate governance, negotiating and implementing strategic partnerships, as well as supporting financing activities and licensing transactions. Most recently, he served as assistant general counsel-North America for Ferrero, where he counselled and advised the business on all aspects of its North American operations, including acquisitions, eCommerce, retail operations, manufacturing, supply chain, financings and litigation. From 2007 to 2012, Anand was a corporate attorney with Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP, focusing on mergers and acquisitions and capital markets transactions.
Brian Maeda joins Tru Kids as chief business development officer, with a 25+ year proven track record of successfully developing and growing global brands. During his career, he has worked on some of the most influential properties in the entertainment and consumer goods spaces, including Star Wars, Power Rangers, WWE, and Xbox. Most recently, Brian held the position of vice president, International Licensing for WWE, where he led the international toy strategy, product design & development and line architecture for all WWE toy licensees. Prior to WWE, Brian was vice president, Business Development & Consumer Products at Saban Brands, where he managed the global toy licence for Power Rangers, and further developed global relationships for other key entertainment brands in its portfolio.
Brian Maeda joins Tru Kids Brands as chief business development officer.
In his role at Tru Kids, Brian will be responsible for expanding and managing the global reach of the company’s brand portfolio, which includes the Toys R Us and Babies R Us brands along with 20+ consumer brands. Additionally, he will serve as the primary business point of contact for all international licence partners.
Richard Barry, CEO of Tru Kids, commented: “This is a momentous time for the company as we head into the holiday season with a positive outlook on the toy market backed by an experienced leadership team and best-in-class global partners. Having worked with both Anand and Brian for many years, I am confident their industry experience and leadership will have a significant impact on our success and the continued growth of our global business.”
“I’m thrilled to return to the Toys’R’Us family,” said Anand. “I look forward to working with Richard, Brian and the entire Tru Kids team to protect the excellence and integrity of our brands as we position the company for a new chapter of growth.”
“Toys R Us is an iconic and powerful brand known and beloved around the world,” added Brian. “I look forward to joining the Tru Kids team to help reimagine the toy retail experience together with our international licence partners in existing and new emerging markets.”
