Tru Kids Brand, the parent of the Toys“R”Us brand, has announced the expansion of its leadership team with the appointment of Anand Shah as general counsel and Brian Maeda as chief business development officer.

Shah brings a wealth of experience in the retail and consumer products industries, as well as a deep understanding of the Toys“R”Us brand and its global footprint. As corporate counsel at Toys“R”Us from 2012 to 2017, Shah was responsible for global corporate governance, negotiating and implementing strategic partnerships and supporting financing activities and licensing transactions.

Most recently, he served as assistant general counsel-North America for Ferrero, where he counseled and advised the business on all aspects of its North American operations, including acquisitions, e-commerce, retail operations, manufacturing, supply chain, financings and litigation.

“I’m thrilled to return to the Toys“R“Us family,” says Shah. “I look forward to working with Richard, Brian and the entire Tru Kids team to protect the excellence and integrity of our brands as we position the company for a new chapter of growth.” 

Brian Maeda joins Tru Kids with a 25+ year proven track record of successfully developing and growing global brands. During his career, he has worked on some of the most influential properties in the entertainment and consumer goods spaces, including “Star Wars,” “Power Rangers,” “WWE” and Xbox. 

Most recently, Brian held the position of vice president, International Licensing for WWE, where he led the international toy strategy, product design and development and line architecture for all WWE toy licensees. 

“Toys“R”Us is an iconic and powerful brand known and beloved around the world,” says Maeda. “I look forward to joining the Tru Kids team to help reimagine the toy retail experience together with our international license partners in existing and new emerging markets.” 

In his role at Tru Kids, Brian will be responsible for expanding and managing the global reach of the company’s brand portfolio, which includes the Toys“R”Us and Babies“R”Us brands along with 20+ consumer brands.  Additionally, he will serve as the primary business point of contact for all international license partners.

“This is a momentous time for the company as we head into the holiday season with a positive outlook on the toy market backed by an experienced leadership team and best-in-class global partners,” says Richard Barry, chief executive officer, Tru Kids. “Having worked with both Anand and Brian for many years, I am confident their industry experience and leadership will have a significant impact on our success and the continued growth of our global business.”