Hamleys signs two toy chiefs as part of head office restructuring

Hamleys has made two senior appointments, following the establishment of a new head office structure.

It has split buying responsibilities for its Hamleys and Bear Factory brands, and appointed head buyers for each.

Kate McLaughlin, formerly at The Discovery Store, will be responsible for buying and merchandising at Bear Factory, including the English Teddy Bear Company. David Pope, from The Entertainer, will head buying and merchandising at Hamleys. Both will report to group buying director Sue Porritt and join at the end of this month.

Hamleys has also split responsibility by division in the marketing and sales departments. A spokeswoman said: 'It allows each brand to be more focused.'