Carmine Russo has been promoted to svp of International Sales JAKKS Pacific Inc., a leading multi-brand company that designs and markets a broad range of toys and leisure products.
Russo, formerly coo of Toymax International Inc., joined JAKKS Pacific as svp of research and development, following the acquisition of Toymax by JAKKS in 2002. At JAKKS, Russo has worked to integrate Toymax's toy and seasonal lines into JAKKS' operations. In addition, Russo has been actively working to expand JAKKS' TV games line and to develop JAKKS' NASCAR-branded radio control vehicles.
Beginning in 1994, Russo was responsible for Toymax's product development and overseas manufacturing and sourcing. He also was charged with maximizing pricing and distribution efficiencies for Toymax's international sales of its brands.
Prior to Toymax, Russo spent eight years at toymaker Buddy L, known for their steel trucks, pool products and winter toys, as svp of operations, responsible for overseas sourcing, manufacturing and distribution. Earlier, Russo lived in Hong Kong and was mg of HG Toys, where he oversaw all Hong Kong operations, including sales, manufacturing and distribution for the seasonal products company.
"Carmine Russo's experience in sales, product development, overseas sourcing and distribution is exactly the mix we've needed to manage our International business," commented Jack McGrath, svp of operations, JAKKS Pacific. "His strong relationships with existing international customers, as well as with factories throughout the world, will drive the growth we believe we can achieve."
JAKKS Pacific, based in Malibu, California, is a multi-brand company that designs and markets a broad range of toys and leisure products sold under various brand names including, Flying Colors, Road Champs, Remco, Child Guidance, Pentech, Trendmasters, Toymax, Funnoodle, Go Fly a Kite and Color Workshop. The company also participates in a joint venture with THQ Inc. that has exclusive worldwide rights to publish and market World Wrestling Ent. videogames. For further information, visit www.jakkspacific.com.
