Gift Focus - Nov/Dec 2018 (Issue 110)

giftfocus 7 news and events NEW APPOINTMENTS Two new directors for Groovy UK Following on from the recent appointment of new sales director Tony Lewis, Groovy UK has appointed a new international development director, Mike McGillion. Both join Groovy UK from homeware specialists Character World, where Tony was working as sales director and Mike as commercial director for the Crafting Division. Both men come with track records, having worked at both Character World and Amscan, where Mike identified and led multiple international partnerships and acquisition. Tony is also a former main board director and shareholder at Christys, acquired by Amscan in 2010. Tony said: “I’m delighted and excited to join such a fabulous team of talented people and be part of such a vibrant and unique business.” Mike added: “I’m very much looking forward to working with Groovy customers internationally and developing some strong relationships.” Monique Scott, MD of Groovy UK, commented: “This is such an exciting time for Groovy UK. With Tony Lewis recently joining as sales director and making a huge impact on sales, to now have Mike in the team we have truly set the stage for success on both our national and global challenges.” Half Moon Bay welcomes two more to the team Licensed product and gift wholesaler Half Moon Bay has welcomed two new members to its UK team. With the recent purchase of the Shruti brand and the launch of publishing imprint Ice House Books, Half Moon Bay adds to the sales team to expand and enhance its relationships with retailers across all three of its divisions. The business has appointed Lucy Earing as national account manager to work across the key accounts team and Tracy Blight to the field sales team fpr the South West region. Lucy has relocated to Bath after holding account manager positions at partywear and games company Talking Tables and Recruitment Agency I Love My Job Ltd in London. Having previously worked in Half Moon Bay’s sales team for seven years, she is excited to be rejoining the company. Tracy will be working closely with the independent customer base across the South West and South Wales regions. She joins the team with 15 years’ experience in the gifting industry, having worked in similar roles at Enesco and Heaven Sends. Blight’s breadth of experience will help to grow business in the region and maximise customer account potential. Rainbow strengthens sales team Rainbow Designs, a British soft toy and nursery company that creates products for popular licensed brands such as Peter Rabbit and Paddington Bear, has recently invested in strengthening its core sales team with the appointments of two new teammembers. Mark Standen takes up the new role of sales manager, and Mandy McGough joins as northern territory manager. Mark takes responsibility for the independent sales team and several key accounts, as well as B2B online sales. Mark has 14 years of industry experience across several companies, including Yankee Candle and Posh Paws, and brings with him a wealth of toy, gift and greeting sector knowledge. Mandy’s position at Rainbow will draw on four years of experience as a territory manager for DMC. Her role included working with toy stockists similar to those she’ll liaise with at Rainbow. Zara Grindrod, sales director at Rainbow Designs, comments: “We’re delighted to welcome Mark and Mandy to Rainbow, and we know they will be a great asset to our dedicated sales team. Their appointments represent an important investment in this area, and they join us at an exciting time as we celebrate a record year for the business.”