NPD offers services for the toys industry in 13 countries around the world.

The NPD Group has named François Klipfel president of the company’s Europe Toys business. François started his career in sales at Procter & Gamble before he moved to the point-of-sale business within GfK France in 1993. Over the past 25 years, he had different roles in the commercial team of GfK, including deputy managing director and member of the management board of the South West Europe region. In his latest role, he was leading a team of more than 70 managers and senior executives while handling sales and negotiations for a range of global clients.

In his new role at NPD, François will be responsible for continuing the successful development of the company’s Toys practice in Europe, and starting new initiatives in adjacent industries such as Entertainment. He will report into Gerhard Hausruckinger, NPD Group President for Europe and APAC.

Gerhard commented: “François has a proven track record as a successful leader, bringing with him a strong reputation for personnel development and team building. His experience and proven ability to deliver results will be a valuable asset as The NPD Group executes on its strategic priorities and plans for sustainable growth.”

François added: “I am honoured and thrilled to take on this role and look forward to working with NPD’s talented team to undertake the myriad opportunities and challenges facing the toy industry in today’s increasingly competitive and ever-changing entertainment landscape.”