Canadian Toy Association Inducts 2023 Hall of Fame Members

November 17, 2023 | The toy community gathered last night at the Canadian Toy Association’s (CTA) Hall of Fame Event at the Mississauga Convention Centre in Mississauga, Ontario to celebrate the industry’s top leaders and trailblazers. More than 150 individuals representing 20 companies attended the reception and dinner, which was followed by ceremonies to honor the CTA’s 2023 Hall of Fame inductees and recognize the 2023 Rising Star Award winners.

The CTA inducted Jon Levy, founder of Mastermind, Paule Rancourt, managing director of KID Toy, and Kelly Woon, vice president of North American Sales for Funrise, into the Hall of Fame. They join a roster of 52 toy industry leaders who have been inducted into the Hall since it was established in 1995.

The Rising Star Award winners included Anisah Ahmad, director of retail strategy at Hasbro; Deborah Mulock, senior brand manager at Moose Toys; and Shannon Parsons, senior manager at LEGO.

“It is an honor and privilege to usher in three well-deserved and respected individuals — Jon Levy, Paule Rancourt, and Kelly Woon — to this year’s Canadian Toy Industry Hall of Fame,” said Graeme Bissett, director of marketing at Makeship and chair of the CTA. “In addition, the Canadian toy industry is driven by an incredible diversity of talent and emerging leaders demonstrating leadership, entrepreneurship, and creativity in our businesses. We congratulate this year’s Rising Star winners — Anisah Ahmad, Deborah Mulock, and Shannon Parsons — for their incredible role in helping to shape the success of our industry.”

The event also included a silent auction and a toy collection for the CTA’s 2023 Toys for the North campaign. The overall initiative will conclude at the end of November and more information on the charitable drive’s impact will be available in the coming weeks.

Click here to view more information about the 2023 CTA Hall of Fame inductees and Rising Star Award winners.

Founded in 1932, the Canadian Toy Association (CTA) is a business trade association representing all companies involved in creating and delivering toys and youth entertainment products for kids of all ages. The CTA leads the growth and health of the Canadian toy community as the authority on toys and the benefits of play. The Toy Association™ sustains the CTA, which provides enhanced value for active member companies across North America.