May 7, 2024, OAK BROOK, IL – TOMY International announced that Julie Gwaltney has been appointed Vice President of the Toy Division. Julie has over 30 years’ experience in the toy industry, most recently holding the position of TOMY International’s Senior Director of Toys.

“We are happy to have Julie assume this role and bring her expertise across additional categories,” said Greg Kilrea, President of TOMY International. “Julie works very well with her team, the designers, our licensors, and our industry partners to help find great opportunities for TOMY and make lasting contributions to childhood play.”

Julie will now have all TOMY International toy brands across their Oak Brook, IL and Dyersville, IA offices including Lamaze, Club Mocchi- Mocchi-, TOMY Games and adding responsibility for farm toys that include brands like Big Farm, Monster Treads, John Deere Preschool, and Build-A-Buddy lines. TOMY’s Amazon business team will also report to Julie.

“TOMY’s mantra is to “Make the World Smile” and that truly is what I love about my job,” said Gwaltney.  “I love knowing we can bring joy to people of all ages and stages in life. I’m looking forward to working directly with more of our talented team across TOMY, and excited about the great things ahead we’ll achieve together.”

Julie’s first professional assignment in the toy industry was at RC2 (later purchased by TAKARA TOMY) on the Lamaze brand.  While at RC2, Julie also worked on the Thomas the Train Take Along business, and preschool licenses like Bob the Builder, Super Why, and Dinosaur Train. She also was at the helm when the Chuggington brand was launched globally.  After RC2, she consulted for various companies in the toy and baby space, eventually landing at Sassy Baby, where she established their licensing program.

When TOMY came with the opportunity to get back into the toy segment, Julie joined the team. Some of her most proud achievements relate to her passion for DEI.  As a member of TOMY’s DEI Steering Committee, Julie has led efforts to create brands that ensure their diverse customer base can see themselves in product. She has also worked with the Walmart infant toy team to launch Bebé Fuerte in conjunction with Robin Arzón, VP of Fitness Programming and Head Instructor at Peloton.

Julie has also been a member of Women in Toys (WiT) since 2021, is the Chicago Chapter Co-Chair, and serves on the Board of Directors as a member of the Executive Committee. “Women In Toys has been one of the best experiences I’ve had in the industry,” said Gwaltney. “Having the opportunity to meet with other female leaders dedicated to the industry has been enriching for me both professionally and personally. I am also very proud TOMY signed on as a sponsor of WiT to demonstrate support for the group’s initiatives.”

Julie was also recently elected to the Board of Trustees for The Toy Foundation and is looking forward to giving back through service and fundraising efforts through the organization.

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About TOMY:

TOMY International (www.tomy.com) is a leading global designer, producer, and marketer of a broad range of innovative, high-quality toys sold to preschoolers, youths and adults under the TOMY® and Ertl® brands as well as products for parents, infants and toddlers marketed under Lamaze®, The First Years®, JJ Cole® Collections and Boon® brands. TOMY International's mission is to make the world smile. TOMY International reaches its target consumers through multiple channels of distribution supporting more than 25,000 retail outlets throughout North and South America, Europe and Australia. TOMY International is a wholly owned subsidiary of Japan-based TOMY Company, Ltd. (Tokyo Stock Exchange Code No. 7867). © TOMY.