WAYNE, NJ, 2017-Jan-25 — /EPR Retail News/ — Toys“R”Us, Inc., the world’s leading dedicated toy and baby products retailer, today (January 23, 2017) announced that PepsiCo veteran, Carla Hassan will join the company as Executive Vice President, Global Chief Marketing Officer, effective February 20, 2017. She will report directly to Chairman and CEO Dave Brandon.
Ms. Hassan was most recently Senior Vice President, Brand Management for PepsiCo’s Global Beverage Group, where she was responsible for driving the growth agenda for brands including Pepsi, 7UP, Mountain Dew, and Gatorade.
In her new role, Ms. Hassan will be responsible for developing a global marketing strategy and a best-in-class team to drive growth for the toy and baby businesses. She will also lead the efforts to position and enhance the relevancy of the brand, leveraging relationships with vendors and licensing partners to increase positive consumer perception of the company.
“Creative and effective Marketing will play a critical role in building our brand and business, not only here in the U.S. but around the world,” said Mr. Brandon. “Carla not only has exceptional experience from both a global brand and leadership perspective, she brings with her a passion and reputation for change. I expect to see her immediate positive impact on our Marketing programs and ability to connect with today’s consumers and drive traffic into our bricks and mortar stores and our web store.”
During her thirteen years with PepsiCo, Ms. Hassan held a number of strategic Marketing leadership roles for Quaker and Gatorade in the U.S., and was CMO for the company’s Middle East/Africa food and beverage business. Prior to that she held a variety of marketing roles at The Kellogg Company overseeing well-known brands including Keebler and Eggo.
“I am beyond excited to have the opportunity to steward another iconic brand. As a marketer, a mom and a kid at heart, I see endless opportunities to make this brand even more magical and inspiring,” said Ms. Hassan.
Ms. Hassan has an MBA from the Thunderbird Graduation School of International Management and a bachelor’s degree in International Affairs, Business, Economics and Political Science from the University of Colorado. In 2016, she was named one of Ad Age’s Women to Watch.
In addition to Ms. Hassan’s appointment, the company announced two additional leadership changes. Diane Preston was promoted to Executive Vice President, Supply Chain and Kevin Macnab was promoted to President, International.
About Toys“R”Us, Inc.
Toys“R”Us, Inc. is the world’s leading dedicated toy and baby products retailer, offering a differentiated shopping experience through its family of brands. Merchandise is sold in 885 Toys“R”Us and Babies“R”Us stores in the United States, Puerto Rico and Guam, and in more than 795 international stores and over 259 licensed stores in 38 countries and jurisdictions. With its strong portfolio of e-commerce sites including Toysrus.com and Babiesrus.com, the company provides shoppers with a broad online selection of distinctive toy and baby products. Toys“R”Us, Inc. is headquartered in Wayne, NJ, and has an annual workforce of approximately 62,000 employees worldwide. The company is committed to serving its communities as a caring and reputable neighbor through programs dedicated to keeping kids safe and helping them in times of need. Since 1992, the Toys“R”Us Children’s Fund, a public charity affiliated with Toys“R”Us, Inc., has donated more than $125 million in grants to children’s charities. For more information, visit Toysrusinc.com or follow @ToysRUsNews on Twitter. Follow Toys“R”Us and Babies“R”Us on Facebook at Facebook.com/Toysrus and Facebook.com/Babiesrus and on Twitter at Twitter.com/Toysrus and Twitter.com/Babiesrus.
Contact:
Media:
Adrienne O’Hara
Executive Director
Global Communications & PR, Toys“R”Us, Inc.
Adrienne.Ohara@toysrus.com
973-617-4383
Jessica Offerjost
Public Relations
Toys“R”Us, Inc.
Jessica.Offerjost@toysrus.com
973-617-4766
Source: Toys“R”Us, Inc.