The meeting was open to all members of the organisation and took place during Toy Fair New York.

The Toy Association has announced the election of four new members to its board of directors for two-year terms expiring in February 2021, during the Association’s Annual General Meeting yesterday.

During the meeting, four candidates were elected to serve their first terms on The Toy Association’s board: John Frascotti, president and COO, Hasbro; Aaron Muderick, president, Crazy Aaron’s Puttyworld; Michael Rinzler, co-president and founding partner, Wicked Cool Toys; and Steve Totzke, chief commercial officer, Mattel. The Toy Association’s board of directors nominating committee chose to leave one board seat vacant for future consideration.

“I would like to welcome our new board members whose collective expertise and experience will deeply enhance the value the Association brings to its members,” said Bob Wann, chairman of The Toy Association and chief play monster of PlayMonster. “This is a time of great change and opportunity for our members. I look forward to hearing the diverse perspectives and contributions from our new representatives on how the Association can continue to innovate and successfully operate in a global toy landscape.”

Barbara Finigan, executive vice president and chief legal officer, Hasbro, will depart the executive committee and board. Board members Bruce Raiffe, president, Gund, and Richard Barry, president and CEO, TRU Kids, have concluded their terms. In addition, Nancy Zwiers, chief marketing officer, Spin Master, will depart the board, while Eva Lorenz, general manager, toys and games at Amazon, has concluded her term of service on the chairman’s Advisory Committee.

The meeting included remarks from Toy Association CEO Steve Pasierb, who spoke of The Toy Association’s continued achievements to protect and promote members’ businesses during 2018, despite a challenging retail environment and threats of tariffs on toys, and highlighted key aspects of the Association’s 2019 action plan.

“Together with our new and returning board members – all who possess significant experience and leverage in the toy community – the Association is certain to effectively continue its essential work to protect and promote both our member companies and the broader toy manufacturing and retailer community,” said Steve. “A deep note of gratitude to our departing board members who have selflessly donated their time, ensuring The Toy Association thrives as a strong, productive global organisation.”