The US toymaker is to undergo a strategic reorganisation which highlights the company’s growth initiatives.
Dan Cooney Jr., Jakks Pacific’s SVP Sales for Toys R Us and Amazon for the past 10 years, will assume additional responsibility for all of Jakks Pacific’s consumer products internationally as executive vice president, international division. Tara Hefter, who has served as Jakks Pacific’s SVP, global licensing since 2010, has been named executive vice president and general manager of Disguise, while Virginia Reneau, will be rejoining the Jakks Pacific family as vice president, global licensing.
Carmine Russo, president, international division and Joe Anton, president, Disguise, will both be retiring in 2019 after long and successful careers. Both Carmine and Joe will work closely with Dan and Tara, to assure a smooth transition of responsibilities.
“We are strategically positioning our businesses for the future, creating a more effective, global framework to serve consumers worldwide, increase growth, and maximiSe shareholder value,” said Stephen Berman, chairman and chief executive officer at Jakks Pacific. “Jakks has been a top tier global toy manufacturer for over 20 years. We have exemplary design, marketing, operation, and sales teams and we have strong relationships with best-in-class Licensors, retailers, and industry thought leaders. As the retail landscape and consumer behaviors continue to change, we are committed to evolve into one of the savviest, most nimble organisations in the Kids & Family consumer products and entertainment space.”