WiT Announces New Leadership & Board Members

The following article is based on a press release issued by WiT on December 11, 2023.

women-in-toys-logoDecember 11, 2023 | Women in Toys, Licensing & Entertainment (WiT) has appointed new members to its board of directors, effective January 1, 2024.

Ehi Oviasu-Kahn will assume the role of chairwoman of the board, succeeding Janice Ross, whose term as president concludes on December 31, 2023. Oviasu-Kahn is an attorney, artist, and founder of Little Art, who has a track record of building coalitions with policy leaders, stakeholders, and nonprofit organizations.

Joining Oviasu-Kahn in steering WiT’s trajectory are four newly appointed board members, each serving a three-year term. The new board members are:
  • Aneisha Vieira, global brand director, ZURU
  • DeeDee Wright-Ward, founder & CEO, Purpose Toys LLC
  • Gena Lavallee, vice president, sales & marketing, Make It Real
  • Julien Sharp, general manager, U.S., Asmodee
In addition, the following board members have been re-elected to serve a second term:
  • Amy Thompson, executive vice president & chief people officer, Mattel
  • Kristi Wasmer, senior sales executive
  • Michelle Weber, executive vice president, Toy'n Around
  • Shawn Smith, founder, Shawn Smith Communications

“It has been a profound honor to serve as WiT president over the past four years,” Ross said. “I’m proud of the remarkable progress we’ve achieved together, and excited for the continued impact of this incredible organization under Ehi’s dynamic leadership. The incoming board, along with the reelected members, brings a wealth of talent and diversity that will undoubtedly propel the organization to unprecedented heights.”

Click here to learn about WiT’s board of directors.