From 1993 to 2007 TOPPS ITALIA SRLChildren productsManaging DirectorMerlin Publishing, which in 1997 was taken over by the TOPPS group, an American multinational listed on Nasdaq (TOPP), was founded in England in 1991 by a group of former managers of Panini of Modena. The company grew rapidly, especially in the UK and Germany.Italy was a new strategic country.In 1993 sales were around 2 billion Lire and the company was composed of 3 people.In 1997, the takeover by TOPPS also added confectionery products for children to the publishing line.In 2000, also thanks to the purchase of the important Pokemon licence, sales reached approximately 110 billion Lire, with a gross profit margin of around 50%.TOPPS ITALIA operates through two separate and very differently structured distribution channels: newsagents' for the publishing and similar products, food retail for the candies.I was personally responsible for relations with the two distribution structures, as well as with the media and the licensing agencies.The main results that I can claim as my own are the following (not listed in order of importance):- the company’s exponential growth- the creation of a distribution structure for editorial products, which is today the reference point for the market.- the creation of a market audit system, which is probably the only one of its kind in Italy- management of the Pokemon phenomenon, guaranteeing short-term and long-term results unique in the whole of Europe- the launch of the Push-Pop candies, which sold 21 million pieces in six months.- the creation of a new product, straddling both the editorial and food sectors: the mini album with chewing gum, which had generated sales for about 30 million euro in the last three years- the conclusion of important co-marketing agreements with many mass market companiesFrom 1986 to 1993 Ar.Ca. SelematicExecutive search firmPartnerFrom 1979 to 1985 SODECOR SPAGraphics companyOwnerSpecialties: Licensing, Merchandising, Team management