Toy industry stalwart Peter Brown passed away on 24th June

The international toy family is sad to report the passing of Peter Brown, one of the toy industry’s most well-respected and beloved figures, on 24th June.

In a Fence Club statement sent out to his friends and peers, Peter was described as a “legend”. The statement reads: “Peter began his remarkable journey in the toy industry in 1966 with Paliltoy. His passion and acumen quickly became evident, and he went on to lead the US subsidiary of Britains Petite’s until 1983. That year marked his return to the UK, where he helped form Tomy UK; Peter held the position of European Group managing director.

Peter Browns entrepreneurial spirit led him to establish Flair Products in 1999, a company that flourished under his guidance and delivered many brands to market including Plasticine, Sticklebricks and Sylvanian Families. Flair was acquired by Giochi Preziosi in 2008.

A respected figure and legend in the industry, Peter joined the Fence Club in 1990 and served as chairman in 2003/2004. He was also a past chairman of the British Toy & Hobby Association (BTHA). In recognition of his lasting contributions, Peter was honoured with the Toy Retailers Association’s Personality of the Year award in 2011 and also received a prestigious Lifetime Achievement award.

Peter will be fondly remembered as a kind and unassuming man – a true gentleman. He was a sharp, insightful businessman with an innate understanding of his customers and the evolving toy industry. His legacy will live on through the many lives he touched both personally and professionally.”

Writing on LinkedIn following the news, John Baulch, publisher of Toy World, said: “The word ‘legend’ is bandied around a lot these days, but Peter truly was a legend in the toy community and will be missed by his many friends and colleagues. His legacy and fantastic contribution to the toy industry over his illustrious career will live on.”

Following an announcement at the BTHA Industry Day this week, a minute’s silence was held so that attending friends and colleagues could mark Peter’s passing. During the day, many also took the opportunity to share their many fond memories of working with and knowing him over the years.

www.toyworldmag.co.uk