PlayMonster is proud to announce Darby Zahradnik’s appointment to the American Specialty Toy

New member of ASTRA’s Board of Directors looks forward to the “new normal” of the toy industry

PlayMonster is proud to announce Darby Zahradnik’s appointment to the American Specialty Toy Retailing Association’s (ASTRA) Board of Directors. This appointment supports the company’s continued commitment to serve specialty toy retailers in North America. Zahradnik will serve on the Board of Directors for a three year term, serving through 2025.

In her current role as Director of National Accounts at PlayMonster, Zahradnik oversees the specialty business. With time spent in corporate merchandising (Zales, Michaels), retail store management (Kohl’s, Sweet & Sassy), and as an independent sales representative (McManemin Companies), Zahradnik found her ideal role on the manufacturing side when she joined Ann Williams Group in 2014. After PlayMonster’s acquisition of Ann Williams Group in June of 2021, Zahradnik expanded her portfolio to include all PlayMonster brands, including PlayMonster’s classic play toys and games, including Koosh®, Spirograph®, Playskool® Little Wonders™, Latchkits®, Disney Trivia, and Five Crowns® in addition to Craft-tastic® and Loopdedoo®.

“It’s a pleasure to be in the company of outstanding leaders in the specialty toy business and to have the opportunity to give back to the industry that has provided me so much through the years,” says Zahradnik. “As the toy industry emerges from the challenges caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, our industry has adapted and evolved into a ‘new normal.’ We’re in a time of tremendous change, and I look forward to playing my part in this transition.”

As a Board Member, Zahradnik will work alongside other industry leaders in making key decisions that address the organization’s mission, strategy and goals.

Scott Flynn, Chief Commercial Officer at PlayMonster says: “Congratulations to Darby on this next step in her career. Darby’s experience and expertise in this critical channel of business will add tremendous value to the ASTRA Board of Directors, and further reinforces PlayMonster’s commitment and support to the specialty toy business.

For more information, please visit www.playmonster.com.

 About PlayMonster

PlayMonster, a leading international toy and game company, believes in the power of play to make a positive difference in people’s lives and strives to keep play alive for all ages by delivering great play value through designing, manufacturing, and marketing innovative and fun toys, games and activities. PlayMonster’s diversified portfolio includes popular brands and products such as “TOTY Game of the Year” Yeti in My Spaghetti®, plus THINGS…®, 5 Second Rule®, Relative Insanity®, Farkle, Five Crowns®, Spirograph®, Colorforms, My Fairy Garden®, Fashion Plates®, Latchkits®, Snap Ships®, Koosh®, and the recently acquired Ann Williams Group including Loopdedoo®, Craft-Tastic®, Craft Crush™ and Sticker & Chill™.