By Gary Symons
TLL Editor in Chief
Some bittersweet news today, as we’ve learned that Global Toy News will return to publication in 2024.
The unique publication shut down temporarily after the death of its founder, Richard Gottlieb, in late October. Gottlieb was founder of both Global Toy News and the consultancy firm Global Toy Expert, and he was certainly that.
However, there’s great news as the team at Global Toy News says the publication will be back in January.
Gottlieb frequently helped The Licensing Letter with his expertise in a number of stories over the years, and we’ve been fortunate enough to have printed a number of his articles as well. Gottlieb was also what one could call a ‘people person’, but that would be an understatement. Helpful, charming, and always funny, Gottlieb was an illuminating presence in the licensing and toy industries.
Not surprisingly, his passing struck the company like an earthquake, and it took time for the team to deal with what was effectively a disaster. In a statement, the Global Toy News team wrote, “We needed some time to mourn the loss of this incredible man and to collectively gather our thoughts and plans for Global Toy News moving forward.
“Richard and the Global Toy News team have worked together for more than 16 years to provide you with valuable insight, news, events and more involving the amazing world of play,” they added. “This was a project that Richard absolutely adored, and his insight into this world helped so many in the toy industry.”
Global Toy News has become a go-to source for those in the know, and has racked up more than 2 million unique visitors, so we’re not the only ones happy to see it returning in 2024.
“We are proud to announce that the Global Toy News team will continue to provide you with the news and insight that all of you have come to love,” the company says. “Richard would have wanted us to continue his Global Toy News project and we are eager to keep his legacy going as we officially relaunch in January 2024.”
One of Gottlieb’s close friends and colleagues will now take over as editor-in-chief of Global Toy News. Better known as The Toy Guy, and known for his work with Gottlieb on The Playground Podcast, Byrne is an independent toy analyst, researcher and consultant, with more than 30 years of industry experience. He is an acknowledged expert on toys and brings his extensive knowledge of toys, education and child development to his work.
Byrne began his career working on major toy brands in a variety of marketing and operations positions. He was instrumental in the development and merchandising of many successful products including those marketed under the Gabriel, Child Guidance, Creative Playthings, and Ideal brands, among others. He led the team that established the game Pictionary as one of the most popular games of its era. In 1988, he formed Byrne Communications, with broad-based consulting in the toy, children’s entertainment, financial and consumer products industries.
We’re also happy to see Gottlieb’s wife Wendy Levey will work with the team, serving as the Managing Editor. Levey is an educational consultant and an expert on educational play, who founded Epiphany Community Nursery School, ECNS ETC and STEAM-E Summer Days camp. The school was founded in New York City, along with the activity center ECNS ETC, originally called Rhythm and Glues and STEAM-E Summer Days, a camp program.
As well, Miguel Ortuno will serve as Creative Director. Ortuno has worked in various creative fields for more than 17 years and says he’s thrilled to contribute his talents and experience to the Global Toy Experts team. Orguno worked as Creative Director for a Chicagoland PR Agency for many years, and the team says his brief is to “help expand the brand in a bold, bright, fun and professional way.”
The disruption has obviously been difficult for the company over the past few months, so we would urge advertisers to get in touch to continue supporting this important publication. You can reach Ortuno by email at miguel@bluebotadvertising.com
As well, Byrne says Global Toy News is looking for guest writers with expertise in the toy industry, so if you know your LEGO blocks from your MEGA blocks, you can send a pitch to chris@thetoyguy.com
For More on This Story
In Memoriam: Global Toy Industry Mourns Passing of Richard Gottlieb