MGA Entertainment and Zapf Creation announced today that Neil Bandtock has stepped down to seek new opportunities, after 15 months as Managing Director for UK and Ireland. The company is grateful to Neil for his hard work over the past year under extremely difficult circumstances for the industry, and wishes him the best of luck in his future endeavors.

Marcel Deveny, Vice President of Sales and Marketing EMEA, will assume the role during the interim period with support from the UK management team. Deveny said: “I am really looking forward to leading and supporting the MGA Entertainment and Zapf teams in the UK and Ireland, working closely with our business partners to unlock the full potential of our brands. “

As the company heads into an exciting and groundbreaking new year, plans are underway to break NPD records for its market-leading brands including core properties Fashion Doll, Nurturing Doll and Collectable, LOL Surprise !, Rainbow High , BABY Born and Baby Annabell and the number one outdoor brand Little Tikes. With massive product innovation across the board and a slew of new brands poised to disrupt the market later this year, 2022 is set to be the biggest and most exciting year yet.