Learning Resources has revealed its leadership succession plan, with Simon Tomlinson being named managing director.
Simon – who is currently chief operating officer – will succeed Dennis Blackmore in the role. Dennis (pictured above left with Simon) will continue involvement with the company with special responsibility for product and licensing.
The changes will become effective from 1 May 2024.
Dennis started the company in King’s Lynn in 1994 for Learning Resources, Inc. of Vernon Hills, Illinois USA, initially selling the company’s educational toys and learning aids into the education market in the UK and Europe. He successfully expanded sales into the Middle East, Africa and India and guided the company into the toy market, most recently winning the master toy licence for the Numberblocks brand.
The company now has 50 employees, and customers in more than 60 countries.
Simon joined the company in 2017 as head of marketing and held roles such as commercial director and most recently coo. In his time with the company, he has overseen the development of marketing and sales strategies, increased the company’s retail footprint and played a key role in shaping the growth trajectory.
“I am incredibly proud to be offered the opportunity to lead a great team of people into the next chapter of Learning Resources and am determined to continue our rapid growth in the toy industry,” commented Simon.
“This is an exciting next step in our company’s journey,” added Dennis. “I look forward to watching the company grow under Simon’s leadership, and believe the future is bright for our brands and our team.”
Rick Woldenberg, ceo at Learning Resources, Inc., continued: “Dennis has been a visionary global leader for our company and has been a key player in brand building and market development over the past 30 years. I am grateful we have such a capable leader in Simon to take over from Dennis. He is ready to carry forward Dennis’ legacy and strongly committed to make Learning Resources a great place to work.”
