McLay Joins Babies “R” Us
Toys “R” Us, Inc., announced that it has named Reg McLay as senior vice-president, Babies “R” Us business, effective Monday, March 30. He will lead the Babies “R” Us merchandising team in the U.S. in driving product innovation, as well as differentiation in services and offerings across its stores nationwide. He will report to Hank Mullany, president, Toys “R” Us, U.S.
He most recently served as senior vice-president, merchandise sourcing and innovation for Canadian Tire Corporation, Limited. Earlier in his career, McLay served in roles of increasing responsibility in senior buying and operations at Zellers, Inc.
Rubin Steps Down as CEO, Funrise
Funrise, Inc., announced last week that Arnold Rubin is stepping down as CEO. Rubin will become chairman, and will continue to serve on the board of Matrix Holdings Limited, which is the parent company of Funrise. King Cheng, currently executive vice-president of the company, will succeed Rubin as CEO. Both appointments will be effective on May 1, 2015.
King Cheng joined the Matrix Group in 2009 and became executive vice-president of Funrise in 2013, with responsibility for the company’s global supply chain and international operations. He is also a director of Matrix Holdings Limited. Previously, Cheng was vice-president international and director of corporate development with Matrix in Hong Kong.
Rubin has been active in the toy industry for more than 50 years. In 1969, he co-founded Imperial Toy and served as its president before establishing Funrise in 1987. He served as chairman of the Toy Industry Association from 2004–2006, and the Toy Industry Foundation from 2006–2008. He was elected president of the International Council of Toy Industries (ICTI), and is also a member of ICTI CARE Foundation Governance Board. Rubin was inducted into the Toy Industry Hall of Fame in 2012.
Sweeny Joins KidStuff
KidStuff Public Relations announced the hiring of Matt Sweeny as a full-time associate in the company’s Wisconsin office. He will manage media coverage of the company’s clients among other duties.