News & Press

Brent Bell, Art Director at Moose Toys

Brent Bell is a driving force behind fostering inclusivity at Moose Toys. With a steadfast commitment to an "All Welcome" workplace, he co-founded the Moose D&I Committee in 2022, leaving an indelible mark. Joining Moose in 2015, Bell identified the need to bridge diverse experiences, particularly as a gay man, leading to the committee's expansion. A dedicated advocate, he spearheaded the transformative LGBTQIA+ Workstream, engaging the global "Moosie" community through interactive sessions, guest speakers, and Pride Month activities. Bell's dynamic leadership seamlessly integrated the workstream into Moose's D&I framework, guided by his infectious enthusiasm and a team of volunteers. Aligned with Moose's strategic roadmap, the initiative fosters a safe environment, promotes allyship, expands education, and advances gender diversity and equality in the toy industry.

G.B. Pillai, Founder at Wild Republic

For more than four decades, under founder G.B. Pillai's leadership, Wild Republic has stood as a champion of nature, conservation, and ethical responsibility. Sustainability has long been central to the company's ethos. Recently, Pillai and Wild Republic reinforced their commitment to reducing their carbon footprint through measures such as utilizing sustainable materials, reducing chemicals, and incorporating 80% recycled cardboard and plastic beans in plush toys. The company has taken substantial steps by eliminating single-use plastics, adopting reusable and biodegradable packaging, utilizing phthalate-free non-toxic materials, and embracing fully sustainable resources. This dedication reflects Wild Republic's ongoing journey towards greater environmental consciousness and responsibility.

Suzanna Lakatos, Director of Packaging Design at Mattel, Inc.

Suzanna Lakatos, a key member of Mattel's Barbie and Fashion Doll IP package design team for nine years, leads packaging for the iconic Barbie brand. With 8 GDUSA awards and a Dieline accolade, including the acclaimed Mark Ryden x Barbie collaboration, she drove successful packaging for the Barbie Movie line's 2023 launch. She also revitalized Monster High, generating more than $40 million in its first year and more than $180 million in the second. Lakatos’ plastic-free designs like Barbie Loves the Ocean and the celebrated Jane Goodall Barbie package showcase her innovation. Her contributions to the Reveal Segment's Color Reveal and Cutie Reveal achieved 12 percent growth and nearly $200 million in sales. Lakatos’ elegant packaging for Barbie Signature led to more than 30 percent growth, totaling nearly $84 million, while her tech-forward approach introduced augmented reality, QR Codes, and digital instructions. Her groundbreaking designs have elevated Barbie's sales and appeal among collectors and kids alike.

Lisa McKnight, Executive Vice President & Chief Brand Officer, Mattel, Inc.

During her tenure at Mattel, Lisa McKnight has masterfully reinvigorated the iconic Barbie brand, transforming it into the world's most diverse doll line with enduring appeal. Leading with design-led innovation, McKnight's strategic partnerships and impactful social initiatives have solidified Barbie's cultural relevance. Under her visionary leadership, retail sales of the portfolio exceeded more than $3 billion, while Mattel consistently claimed the title of the No. 1 Global Doll Manufacturer. Lisa's efforts doubled Barbie's franchise size, achieving record-breaking sales in 2021. She initiated the Barbie Dream Gap Project, raising over $1.5 million for girls' empowerment. Collaborating on Barbie the Movie, Lisa's marketing prowess turned it into a viral sensation. Furthering sustainability, she introduced the 'Pink Is The New Green' campaign. Her strategic expansion established Barbie as a lifestyle brand, highlighted by the viral phenomenon #Barbiecore, attaining billions of media impressions.

Gold: First Barbie Doll with Down Syndrome, Mattel, Inc.

Silver: Playsponsible Campaign, Spin Master

Bronze: LEGO Replay, LEGO Systems, Inc.

Gold: Barbie the Movie Marketing Campaign, Mattel, Inc.

Silver: Moose Toys Makes Marketing Magic for Reveal of Magic Mixies Magical Crystal Ball, Moose Toys

Bronze: LankyBox Secret Mission Toy Launch, Bonkers Toys