An esteemed philosopher once said: “When you get to the fork in the road, take it.”

Okay, okay. So the person who coined this phrase isn't really a philosopher; he's a Hall of Fame catcher. What of it? Over the years, Yogi Berra has imparted countless gems of philosophical wisdom—which are quoted endlessly, I might add.

But I digress…

We were discussing that proverbial fork in the road and the act of “taking it.”

I have reached such a fork.

I've been presented with a challenging career opportunity and a new position: editorial director of Playthings and its sister publication, Gifts & Decorative Accessories, as well as editor in chief of “Gifts & Dec,” the number one publication in the gift and home accessories market.

I will be taking the fork.

The opportunity is truly the best of all possible worlds: I get to continue with Playthings, albeit in a less direct capacity, while embarking upon an exciting new path in my career journey. I get to stay close to the industry I've grown to love. At the same time, I get to explore a whole new landscape.

It's not easy to give up full-time tenure of this magazine; one with such a long and storied history. I'm proud of what we have accomplished and especially of the position we hold in the marketplace; that of an independent and unbiased source of information that serves the entire industry—no holds barred.

This has been an especially momentous year for Playthings. The magazine was awarded five editorial and graphic achievement awards from prestigious organizations including the America Business Media, the Trade Association of Business Publications International and Folio, the B2B magazine representing the publishing industry.

Hard to leave…yes; but easier because I know Playthings will be in the best of hands.

Sitting in the editor's seat come January will be a well-deserved familiar face, lover of the industry and consummate professional—Cliff Annicelli.

Indeed, Playthings will be in good hands.

Many of you already know Cliff; it's only been five short years since he was Playthings' managing editor, a position he held for a year before moving on to director of online operations for Playthings and four other magazines in the retail group of Reed Business Information, our parent.

Prior to his tenure as managing editor, Cliff served as Playthings associate editor between 1994 and 2000.

Cliff is no stranger to the industry and is excited to be back on board. I am confident the industry is equally excited to welcome him back “full time.”

I know that Cliff has great plans for continuing the Playthings tradition of service and loyalty to the entire industry.

But we'll leave that for him to tell you himself beginning in January, right here.