In what CEO and founder Darran Garnham is calling a ‘rocket fuel’ appointment, Will Ochoa is joining Toikido as chief commercial officer.
Will Ochoa
Toikido is delighted to announce the latest addition to its talented and fast-growing team, as Will Ochoa joins as chief commercial officer. Bringing with him a wealth of knowledge gained while working on some of the world’s biggest brands, Will is considered a very important hire for the young but future-focused company as it continues to expand its slate of licensed and own-IP.
“Will and I first met over a bowl of Frosties at Mind Candy and his global growth since has been astonishing,” enthused Toikido CEO and founder Darran Garnham. “Going full circle and bringing him into Toikido to supercharge our IP expansion makes me both excited and very proud.”
Will began his career with entry level roles at Fluid World (Hello Kitty) and Mind Candy (Moshi Monsters) where he was receptionist/office manager – and where he met Darran.
After Mind Candy, Will held roles across Wildbrain CPLG, Turner Broadcasting and One Animation (based in Singapore), developing global licensing campaigns for some of the World’s biggest brands including the Despicable Me and Minions franchises, Disney and Cartoon Network. He then joined Zuru Toys and for the last five years has lived and worked in Shenzhen, Hong Kong, as well as the UK, heading up the European toy sales teams as general manager – Europe.
In that time, despite the pandemic, Zuru grew into one of the fastest growing toy suppliers in Europe. Will built and scaled direct sales subsidiaries across the continent, driving commercial retail executions across all key EU channels both through FOB and domestic operations.
“I am very excited to be joining Toikido during such a pivotal time,” Will told Toy World. “From day one, I have been fascinated by the innovative hybrid model Toikido operates, spanning multiple pillars including Toys, Licensing, IP development, Gaming and Digital Content. Darran, who gave me my first break in a commercial role at Mind Candy, has remained a mentor ever since and I am extremely proud to join and work with the close-knit team of incredible talent already assembled at Toikido, many of whom are ex colleagues of mine.”
Will added: “With Toikido on the cusp of launching its first IP, Piñata Smashlings, the scene is set for our huge Roblox game launch in June, followed by toys hitting retail shelves in the UK and Europe from September. I cannot wait to get started with the team and to work closely with all our partners to drive the business going forward.”
