Page 28 - Toy & Hobbly Retailer Magazine August-October 2019

FAMILIAR FACES
LICENSING
Familiar Faces
Familiar Faces profiles key individuals in the Australian toy industry.
GEORGE KHOURY
Funrise Commercial Director, Asia Pacific
How long have you been in your current role?
Five years.
What does your day to day look like?
Every day presents different opportunities
and challenges, but I’m generally juggling between Australian domestic issues such as account management, inventory management or marketing. On the Asia/NZ business I’m forever chasing quote sheets, samples or QA test reports. USA emails/calls in the morning and then Asia in the afternoon/evening.
What is your favourite aspect of your role?
I love the variety of work – managing the ‘now’ as well as the future business. I have some great customers and brand partners I’ve known for many years; so enjoy having a laugh as we do business. It’s the toy business, it’s meant to be fun!
What is the most challenging aspect of your role?
I’d say managing that balance of hitting sales targets versus the right amount of stock at retail versus long term brand health. If you asked
my finance people – getting my expense reports submitted on time is a regular
challenge that I’m yet to master!
What are the opportunities in
the industry?
I think there is still more growth in the ‘kidult’ and pop collectibles space – I love
what the team at Funko are delivering. I also believe there’s opportunity to add more in-
store theatre and making toy shopping more of a destination – Toymate is leading this in my view – but some of those lessons can
be carried across to mass retailers. For new product, companies
such as HeadStart and Moose have
proven toy concepts can originate in Australia and go global!
What stands out as a highlight from
your career?
Working with Toyota Australia to build a
‘real life’ Tonka Hilux Ute is a stand out;
the coverage was global and the truck itself
was amazing. Working in Asia was another highlight – whether Transformers in China or Star Wars in Japan, it’s next level! More recently, getting the CAT brand re-established across the region has been a fun ride! ❉
Want to be involved in Toy & Hobby Retailer’s Familiar Faces section? Get in touch with Imogen Bailey, email: imogenbailey@yaffa.com.au
28 TOY & HOBBY RETAILER AUGUST / SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2019