New York, NY | October 16, 2015 – The Toy Industry Association (TIA) announced today that it is excited to induct Robert A. Iger, Chairman and CEO of The Walt Disney Company, into the Toy Industry Hall of Fame. Mr. Iger was selected by members of TIA in recognition of his significant contributions to the industry and the impact his work has had on the lives of children worldwide.
Mr. Iger joins an impressive roster of 70 toy industry luminaries, including Jim Henson and George Lucas, who have been inducted into the Hall since it was established in 1984. The induction ceremony will be held on February 12, 2016 in conjunction with the annual Toy of the Year (TOTY) Awards celebration at the American Museum of Natural History in New York City. This special event will also commemorate TIA’s 100th anniversary.
Mr. Iger is the steward of the world’s largest media company and some of the most respected and adored brands around the globe. He has grown Disney’s portfolio of beloved brands with the acquisition of Pixar (2006), Marvel (2009), and Lucasfilm (2012), three of the entertainment industry’s greatest storytelling companies. Always one to embrace new technology, Mr. Iger has made Disney an industry leader through its creative content offerings across new and multiple platforms.
“Just about every child around the globe has been touched by the magic of Disney,” said TIA President & CEO, Steve Pasierb. “Mr. Iger has done an impressive job of building on Disney’s rich history and growing their storytelling portfolio, creating new experiences and unforgettable memories for generations of kids to come.”
The 2016 ceremony honoring Mr. Iger will take place at the 16th Annual Toy of the Year (TOTY) Awards on Friday evening, February 12, 2016 at the American Museum of Natural History in New York City. In addition to honoring Mr. Iger and the top toys, the event will celebrate the Association’s centenary. Events surrounding TIA’s 100th anniversary will continue throughout 2016 with a commemorative history book and other initiatives that showcase the work of the toy industry, the transformation of TIA, and the incredible power of play.
The Toy Industry Hall of Fame is housed with the National Toy Hall of Fame at The Strong museum in Rochester, NY.
About the Toy Industry Hall of Fame www.toyassociation.org/HOF
In 1984, the Toy Industry Hall of Fame was established to recognize the people who have brought the value of play to the lives of children and adults. Every year for the past three decades, members of the industry have proudly nominated hundreds of men and women — from toy inventors to toy retailers — who have made their mark on the industry and created a love of play in the hearts of children of all ages.
About the Toy Industry Association (TIA) www.toyassociation.org / www.thegeniusofplay.org
Founded in 1916, the Toy Industry Association™, Inc. (TIA) is the not-for-profit trade association representing all businesses involved in creating and delivering toys and youth entertainment products for kids of all ages. Over the past 100 years, TIA has led the health and growth of the toy industry, and today its 750+ members account for an estimated 90% of the annual $22 billion U.S. domestic toy market. TIA serves as the industry’s voice on the cognitive, social, emotional and creative benefits of play, and promotes play’s positive impact on childhood development to consumers and media. TIA has a long history of leadership in toy safety, having helped develop the first comprehensive toy safety standard more than 30 years ago, and remains committed to working with government, consumers and industry on ongoing programs to ensure safe and fun play.
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