New York, NY - February 22, 2020 - Women in Toys, Licensing & Entertainment (WIT), announced the appointment of Janice Ross as the global organization’s new President, succeeding Ashley Mady, Head of Brand Development at Basic Fun!, who served for six years and led WIT to substantial growth. Ross, a 25-year industry veteran, and Managing Partner at Brand Fresh Management has been serving as WIT’s Vice President for the past two years.

Janice Ross, Managing Partner, Brand Fresh Management

WIT is a global nonprofit and preeminent trade organization whose mission is to champion the advancement of women in toys, licensing and entertainment; inclusive of individuals and companies that share the organization’s mission.

Ross is an accomplished and well-respected executive, with broad and diverse experience both in the industry and within WIT. Prior to opening her agency, she served in executive leadership roles at major companies including LEGO and American Greetings.

“It is a privilege to lead WIT and help write the next chapter as we continue to deliver on our mission,” says Ross. “I’m energized about the future, and have a deep passion for the transformative impact WIT has on our industry. 2020 is starting out as a banner year, with additional announcements coming soon about major events and programming.”

For the last six years leading WIT, Mady has helped grow and empower the organization by cultivating a sense of collaboration and community, broadening participation to major retailers, top licensors and toy companies, and creating an infrastructure that has taken the organization from a completely volunteer-run entity to a successful mission-driven nonprofit, implementing operating systems and a dedicated staff.

“My time as President of WIT has been deeply gratifying and rewarding,” said Mady. “I have been honored and inspired every day to serve this organization alongside incredibly dedicated and passionate people. We truly do inspire together, and with Janice’s vision and dedication, there is no limit to what we’ll achieve.”

WIT always welcomes new members to join and get connected. For more information, please contact Mary Kay Russell, WIT Executive Director at marykay@womenintoys.com. A complete list of the WIT board of directors is available at www.womenintoys.com.