Just Play Adds to Business Development Team

Global toy company, Just Play, has announced the hires of Joel Berger as senior vice president of new business development and Jess Richardson as senior vice president of global licensing and business development. 

“I am very excited to welcome Joel and Jess to our leadership team,” says Geoffrey Greenberg, co-president, Just Play. “They are both respected figures in the toy industry with years of experience, which will amplify Just Play’s global growth. Jess is a dynamic and creative executive who will lead our global licensing partnerships and search for additional business opportunities. Joel will lead Just Play’s emerging channel and international product development efforts.” 

Berger will utilize his category development and retail knowledge to identify growth opportunities across international markets and emerging channels. His career includes serving as president at Cardinal Industries, a toy and game developer acquired in 2015. He continued to lead Cardinal Industries as president until 2020, when he joined Tara Toys as executive vice president of business development.  

Richardson will spearhead Just Play’s licensing initiatives and foster continued growth with strategic partners worldwide. With decades of experience in licensing and strategic planning for brand and entertainment properties, Richardson has held pivotal positions at Hasbro as vice president of business development, Netflix as head of licensing and WWE as vice president of licensing for North America.  

Related:Hasbro Taps Just Play as FurReal Master Licensee

Just Play continues to strengthen its position as a leader in the global toy industry with these significant appointments, as well as recent additions to its international team, with more growth expected across company departments.