A stalwart of the toy industry, Graham Canning will be leaving the business on 30th September 2023 as Clive Richardson takes up the role of VP Sales & Marketing.

Graham Canning has announced he will be retiring from VTech Electronics Europe PLC next year.

With a one year transition period starting 1st October 2022, Graham will move to three days a week before leaving the business on 30th Sept 2023.

Graham first joined VTech in 1991 at a time when it was still establishing itself as a leader in Electronic Learning Aids in the UK, becoming market leader in 1993. Over the years, Graham has lead VTech sales to successfully expand and grow to be No.1 in toy categories such as Infant/Toddler /Pre-school and Youth Electronics.

During his time, Graham was instrumental in launching the IQ Builders Division and, more recently, the integration of Leapfrog after the acquisition.

Graham said: “I have had an incredible journey and many cherished memories in my long career with VTech, although I will still be in the background for a year. I have met and worked with great people, both colleagues and customers. It has also been an honour to serve the BTHA council and be current chairman until June 2023. The Toy Industry is a fabulous Industry to be in and I wish everyone at VTech and in the industry great success for the future”

Gilles Sautier, VTech International president, added: “I’d like to thank Graham for his more than 30 years of service. He joined VTech at a time the company opened overseas subsidiaries and was a crucial piece in transforming the UK sales office from a single item company to a market leader in several categories. During the year of transition, he will mentor the sales team and Clive Richardson, newly promoted VP Sales & Marketing, to help prepare and pave the way for a new era under Clive’s leadership.”