Blog posts
Toysmith to Support LA Relief Efforts
As historic wildfires continue to devastate the Los Angeles area, the toy industry is supporting efforts to help impacted children and families. Toysmith is joining these efforts by donating to the Toy Foundation, who is already on the way to LA with essential supplies and pallets of toys and games. Read about the Toy Foundation and their relief efforts here. Immediate Ways to Help: Donate toys and games to The Toy Bank: Click here. Make a cash donation to The Toy Foundation’s Emergency Relief Play Grants program: Click here. To learn more about other ways to give, The Toy Book lists a number of ways you can help.
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Toysmith Shines at Women in Toys - Wonder Woman Awards
On Friday, September 13th, Toysmith proudly participated in the prestigious Women in Toys (WIT) - Wonder Woman Awards, held last Friday in Los Angeles, where the company celebrated four remarkable team members as finalists. The event honored women who have made significant contributions to the toy, entertainment, and licensing industries. The Toysmith finalists included: - Kylie Whitehead, National Key Accounts Manager, was nominated for the Commercial Sales Team award along with Lindsey Walling, Director, Customer Support and Martha McDonald, Customer Support Specialist. - Jenny Lorton, Senior Director, Business Operations, was nominated for and won the Rising Leader award for companies with fewer than 500 employees. - Dawn Till, Senior Director Sales, was recognized with a nomination for Mentor of the Year. - Carrie Dash, Accounts Receivable Manager, was nominated for Unsung Hero at a company with fewer than 500 employees. The highlight of the evening came when Jenny Lorton took home the Rising Leader award, underscoring her exceptional leadership and the positive impact she has made within Toysmith. Jenny's recognition reflects Toysmith’s commitment to fostering a culture of innovation, leadership, and excellence. “We couldn’t be prouder of Jenny and our incredible team of finalists. Each of these women exemplifies the passion and dedication that drives our company forward. Their recognition at the Wonder Woman Awards is a testament to their hard work and the spirit of empowerment that we celebrate at Toysmith,” said Michael Keaton CEO of Toysmith. Toysmith continues to support the development and success of women in the toy industry, contributing to a vibrant, innovative community. The company congratulates all nominees and winners from this year’s Wonder Woman Awards.
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CEO Michael Keaton to Step Down
On Monday, August 19th, 2024, Toysmith CEO Michael Keaton announced that he has decided to step down as Chief Executive Officer and will be leaving Toysmith. He will continue in his role until a new CEO is named in the fourth quarter of 2024 and assist with the transition to new leadership. "Toysmith's strong position and promising future make this the perfect time for me to step down and allow a new CEO to take the helm, supported by our capable leadership team," said Keaton. Keaton’s two-decade career in the Toy Industry began with The LEGO Group in 2002. He then transitioned to Schleich in 2015 before taking the helm of Toysmith in 2019. During his time at the helm, he helped the company navigate the COVID crisis, relocated both warehouse and office, and oversaw corporate restructuring, all while growing the company. His career also included industry service as a Board Member of the Australian Toy Association and the US Toy Association. With this departure, he aims to spend more time with his family while investing more energy into his volunteer activities, including his work with the Toy Foundation. Keaton concludes with, “I want to thank the Toysmith owners for their confidence in my leadership and the Toysmith Team for an amazing experience.”
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