Toys“R”Us appoints Aussie as APAC president

toys r us presidentToys“R”Us has appointed Andre Javes as President, Toys“R”Us, Asia Pacific, effective May 27.

Javes will oversee all operations and business activities for the company’s stores in Japan, Southeast Asia, Greater China and Australia, where he will be responsible for the ‘profitability and success of the company in these markets.’

The toy retailer said Javes is a seasoned retail executive with over 30 years of merchandising and management experience.  Javes most recently served as managing director, Toys“R”Us, Southeast Asia and Greater China, where he oversaw all operations and business activities for the company’s over 170 wholly owned stores and approximately 2500 employees in Brunei, China, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Singapore, Taiwan and Thailand.

“Since joining Toys“R”Us, Andre has made significant contributions to the continued growth and success of our business throughout Asia and Australia,” said Dave Brandon, chairman and CEO, Toys“R”Us. “With his extensive retail background, drive for results, commitment to building and leading high-performing teams and proven track record, we expect to further grow and strengthen our brands’ position in the global marketplace.”

Javes first joined Toys“R”Us, Australia in 2008 as general merchandising manager with responsibility for toy and baby products. After a brief hiatus, he returned to the company in April 2013 as managing director, Toys“R”Us, Australia. The company said in this capacity, he oversaw all operations and business activities for the company’s more than 30 stores, e-commerce site, corporate office and more than 1700 employees there.

Prior to joining Toys“R”Us, Javes served as CEO at Anaconda Group Pty from 2009 to 2012, where he managed a retail chain of camping, outdoor and adventure gear stores across Australia. Earlier in his career, Javes spent three years at Kmart as divisional merchandising manager for seasonal and consumable items and the company’s toy and outdoor product categories throughout Australia and New Zealand. He also served as group merchandise manager, grocery at Coles Supermarkets Australia.

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