Julia Cake has been named the new UK Country Manager of the Surrey-based Flair PLC, following news that Simon Hedge is leaving his role as managing director this week.
The former commercial director and manager of Magic Box UK brings with her 20 years of toy experience, having held previous roles at Mattel and Schleich, among a number of others. Cake grew up in an entrepreneurial family manufacturing business, making doll pushchair covers in the UK.
During her time with Magic Box UK, Cake managed to double the firm’s turnover in three years.
“I’m thrilled to join the experienced Flair team and help shape the future of the company,” said Cake. “Working with multiple brands, suppliers and the wider Famosa/Giochi Preziosi Group has opened a new chapter in my career. I am ready for this new challenge and I am really looking forward to making a difference to such an esteemed company.
“It’s an exciting year ahead for Flair with many new brands already added to the portfolio and plenty more on the horizon. Growing this portfolio is just one of the many objectives I have in this new role.”
Marie-Eve Rougeot, Giochi Preziosi’s CEO added: “We would like to welcome Julia to the team. She brings with her a vast amount of experience, and shares our drive to take Flair to a new level of success. With such impressive achievements to date, Julia will be instrumental in supporting the growth of the UK operations in both the short and medium term.”
Cake will take up the new role with immediate effect, and she will take over from Managing Director Simon Hedge, as GP’s Head of UK from 1 August 2021,