Toy Industry Association Names Alan P. Kaufman as SVP of Technical Affairs

NEW YORK, April 26, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Toy Industry Association (TIA), a not-for-profit trade association for the producers and importers of toys and youth entertainment products sold in North America, announced today the appointment of industry veteran Alan P. Kaufman as Senior Vice President, Technical Affairs.   In this newly created position, Mr. Kaufman will lead the continuing development and implementation of technical policies and strategies relating to toy safety, the environment, supply chain issues, factory processes and other related matters.  He will join TIA staff as a member of the External Affairs team on May 2nd.

Kaufman comes to TIA from his role as vice president for global product safety and regulatory affairs at Toys"R"Us, Inc.   Previously, he spent more than a decade directing production, sourcing and technical services within The Walt Disney Company and its affiliated companies.  Earlier in his career, he held technical and production positions at a number of toy manufacturers, including Mattel, Knickerbocker and Coleco.

"Al brings to TIA more than 30 years of experience addressing product safety, quality assurance, regulatory compliance and product testing issues for toy companies and retailers," said Carter Keithley, TIA president.  "His industry expertise, in-depth involvement with regulatory activities and extensive background managing corporate social compliance initiatives will enhance the capabilities, services, counsel and support TIA provides to all industry stakeholders."

"I am pleased to be joining the TIA team and look forward to helping to advance TIA's mission with my contributions, which I believe will complement those of the tremendous talent pool already on board," said Kaufman.

A graduate of UCLA with a degree in biology and organic chemistry, Mr. Kaufman will be based in the Association's New York City office.  He will work closely with Mr. Keithley; Ed Desmond, TIA executive vice president of external affairs, and Joan Lawrence, TIA vice president of standards and government affairs.

About the Toy Industry Association (TIA)

TIA is the not-for-profit trade association for producers and importers of toys and youth entertainment products sold in North America, representing more than 550 companies who account for approximately 85% of domestic toy sales.  Toy safety is the number one priority for the toy industry. TIA has a long history of leadership in toy safety including development of the first comprehensive toy safety standard more than 30 years ago, and working with government, consumers and industry on ongoing programs to ensure safe and fun play. For more information, please visit www.toyassociation.org or www.toyinfo.org.

SOURCE Toy Industry Association