I-Star adds toy biz vets
By Staff -- Playthings, 11/10/2009 8:47:00 AM
GREAT NECK, N.Y.—I-Star Entertainment has named Snuggie Toys founders Alec and Stuart Kessler as Executive Vice President and Vice President of Sales, respectively, and Robert Leff as Senior Vice President for Sales and Marketing.
The move comes as the toymaker and entertainment producer, founded in 2008 by veteran toy industry executives Marty Abrams and Joel Rosenzweig, expands its product lines and licenses.
The Kesslers’ hiring includes the addition of several of Snuggie Toys' lines to I-Star’s roster, including licensed products featuring the National Football League and NFL Rush Zone, Colorforms, Max and Ruby, Franklin, Casper, Wittle Bittles and Pet Rock.
Robert Leff joins the company with more than 40 years of toy business experience. He most recently was part owner of Jazzwares, before which he spent six years as president of Toy Island.
"We are delighted that three such high powered toy industry executives as Alec and Stuart Kessler and Robert Leff have joined our executive ranks," said Joel Rosenzweig, president of I-Star Entertainment. "They each have a vast amount of experience and success in the toy industry and they greatly enhance our ability to create and market exciting new products in an industry that is constantly looking for new ideas and directions."
I-Star Entertainment’s initial effort this spring was an updated line of Pet Rocks.
Pictured: Four of the initial dozen Pet Rock designs I-Star showed at the 2009 American International Toy Fair.
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