Rubies’ European expansion bolstered by two new hires for Germany team

As Rubies rejuvenates its European operation and continues to expand across the continent, its German division has welcomed two new experienced personnel to spearhead its sales operations in the region.

Alexandra Knack joins as Country Manager while Stefan Brandenburger will join as Head of Sales.

Adept at spotting trends, Alexandra brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the role, from retail experience in her parents’ toy store to over a decade at Müller Handels GmbH & Co KG in Ulm – where she held the title of Senior Buyer for the girls, babies and trendy toys category – and six years at Toys R Us Cologne as a buyer.

As Country Manager Alexandra will be responsible for developing Rubies’ business model in Germany, Austria and Switzerland, ensuring agreed business objectives are met within the territory as well as implementing visionary sales and marketing tactics to ensure Rubies upholds its reputation whilst driving local growth. She will also focus on events planning and developing Rubies’ relationships within the territory, whilst maintaining the daily management of Rubies Team GSA.

With over nine years at Smiffys as Regional Sales Manager GSA, Stefan Brandenburger combines a track record of proven sales growth with responsibility for managing delegates across Europe, and comes to Rubies with a wealth of contacts in the toy, party and dress-up industries. As Head of Sales he will be responsible for driving business, overseeing the implementation of new business plans and strategies for various retail channels and executing new product launches and promotions.

Both new members of the German team will be working with Rubies’ impressive portfolio of licences, including Disney, Marvel, Star Wars, DC, Warner Brothers, Mattel, Universal and Zag.

Mike O’Connell, Rubies COO, says: “Both Stefan and Alexandra’s reputations precede them as two of the best minds in the German toy and party market, and I am excited to see what they can bring to the table, both in executing our pre-existing business plans and in creating unprecedented growth for our German business.

“Our German team has a strong driving force behind it with innovative ideas which will enable us to evolve as a company in our multinational directive and I am proud to welcome both Alexandra and Stefan to the team to pave the way for Rubies in Germany.”