Games and puzzles specialist, Ravensburger has confirmed the appointment of Richard Collins as its new managing director for the UK and Ireland.
Richard (pictured) will oversee Ravensburger UK’s entire portfolio which spans puzzles, games, play-sets and crafts categories, and includes the popular preschool brand, BRIO.
His immediate commercial focus is to maintain the strong trajectory of growth which he has inherited with an emphasis on sales and marketing channels.
Richard will oversee a growing team of staff, with five direct reports including head of sales, Derek Scott; head of marketing and product development, Katy Fletcher: head of operations, Colin Reeves; head of finance, Julia Darwin; and Laurie Williams, recently appointed as online shop manager.
Ravensburger’s UK business doubled in the last six years and notably it has grown both its games business and made a strong entry into the craft category under the leadership of Tim Hall, who will remain with the business in an international licensing role.
It is currently the UK market leader in the adult, children and 3D puzzle category, holding more than 45 licences in its portfolio. Additionally, BRIO turnover in the UK has trebled under Ravensburger’s management since it took on the brand in 2015.
“I’m excited to be joining Ravensburger to work alongside an exceptional team and continue upon 11 years of sales growth,” commented Richard. “With exciting product development and improving digital capabilities we are in a strong position to deliver on our long-term strategies. I’m looking forward to meeting many of our retail partners over the next few months, including attending the Toymaster show later this month, and building on established partnerships to deliver mutually beneficial revenue.
“Ravensburger is renowned for its innovation, and we will continue to surprise and delight our customers across all categories. Tim has built a strong team full of energy, experience, and expertise, and I’m honored to now be leading them as we continue the Ravensburger success story in the UK and Ireland.”
Richard joins the company having previously held leadership roles at fashion label, Emilia Wickstead, high-end outdoor furniture brand, White Stores, and as md at Fossil UK.
