Professional Experience
Past Positions
Director of Product Engineering and Packaging, Toys'R'Us Global Sourcing Office (HK) Limited
May 2017 - February 2020
This role involves overseeing both the Packaging & Product Engineering teams based in the Global Sourcing Offices in Hong Kong and Shenzhen, China.  Actively engaged in supporting the Product Development and Sourcing teams to ensure multiple categories of toys and baby products are developed to meet both quality and manufacturability requirements. With an aim to provide leadership and support to the package design, production and product development teams, and Provide functional direction across categories to support the company as it undergoes a transitional period of change, transforming from a retailer into an IP company providing a range of brands & services for international licensors & franchisees around the world.
Creative Development Manager, TOP-TOY (HK) Ltd.
January 2009 – March 2017
Was the main in-house creative engine for the company, ensuring a high performing design team in terms of innovation, creativity & design. Tasked with the responsibility to establish conceptual art direction for all own brand graphic projects and inspire the design team members by guiding and visualizing the creative directions within agreed deadlines. I have the overall responsibility to drive and deliver product brand communication to match market leaders, ensure innovation & creativity for developed graphic artwork, and create & develop own brand product ranges. I also directly manage the license approval process and the daily operations of the product design team on a variety of own brand and licensed projects.
Creative Development Manager, Woolworths Group Asia Ltd.
August 2006 – December 2008
Implemented the setting up the Product Development Department, the in-house design resource within the Woolworths Hong Kong office. The department consisted of 8 talented individuals who worked on creating both 3D products from concept to production, and 2D design for print, art working and production of packaging solutions for all areas & product categories of the UK based business. The role involved managing the development of product ranges & own brand building through a combination of original development & partial adaptation of a wide range of sourced items intended for the company’s own brand labels, including Toys & Gifts, Home Furnishings and other general merchandise as well as Brand Management. Have also conducted international sales, supplier relationship and internal presentations, workshops and motivational events.
Product Design Manager, Early Learning Centre HK Ltd.
March 1999 – July 2006
Joined the Hong Kong based design and sourcing office of this UK based specialty children’s preschool toy and related products retailer as a Senior Product Designer working on a wide range of preschool toys across multiple areas utilizing various materials and manufacturing techniques. Was promoted to lead, manage, and inspire the Product Design Team, working to design and develop original toy concepts, over seeing their production and delivery into the market for fourteen successive seasons. Helped forge close links with key partners, and maintained communications across regional offices
Designer /Chief Product Designer, Hong Kong Toy Centre
September 1996 – March 1999
I was recruited from the UK to join this Chinese family owned toy manufacturer as a product designer working on a wide variety of toys across different categories and materials. Developed items for the company’s own ‘Playwell’ brand and also for many international customers; Wal-Mart, K-Mart, Target (in the US), Woolworths, ELC, Boots, (in the UK) and Combi, Pigeon and Toy box (in Japan). I look back at this time as my ‘apprenticeship years’ as this position gave me valuable insight into how products are developed, costed and produced and experience the challenges that manufacturers face.
