New CEO for international toy firm

HTI Group, the UK’s largest independently owned designer and manufacturer of children’s toys, has appointed Christopher Spalding as chief executive officer.

The group, which was originally founded in 1952, works with major retailers and wholesalers in 75 countries around the world, including Carrefour in Europe and Walmart in North America and Canada. The company rankled as the 65th highest-grossing firm in Lancashire according to the most recent Fab 500.

Christopher Spalding is currently managing director & SVP of Leapfrog International, the US-headquartered educational entertainment group. He has spent the last five years growing its international division as part of the group’s global leadership team. His previous experience includes roles with major blue chip companies including Coca-Cola, PepsiCo, Virgin and Associated Newspapers.

“We’re convinced he has the right mix of skills and experience in our core domestic and international markets to make a major impact on the group’s forward performance. His ambition for HTI will be instrumental in helping us achieve the next aggressive phase in our plans and his day-to-day leadership will allow me to focus on strategic opportunities for HTI Group while pursuing other business interests.”