MAM
The Social Street ropes in Heena Mistry as head of events and experiential business
MUMBAI The Social Street has roped in Heena Mistry to head the events and experiential business; she will operate out of their Mumbai office.
Mistry, brings with her over 15 years of experience and moves from SOI Live Marketing & Events, where she was a Director and lent her expertise with hundred plus marketers, leading brands, pan India across various industries.
The Social Street founding partner and CEO Mandeep Malhotra commented on the development, “Heena is very well known in the industry for her impeccable delivery on various brand requirements. She is renowned for her ability to exceed client expectations. She brings to our team a sense of great commitment and prudence, which is hard to find these days.”
Commenting on her new role, Mistry says “It’s a matter of pride for me to be associated with TSS. I join this team with great expectations and delight. I am very confident on building on the immense learning I had at SOI Live Marketing. Mandeep & Pratap have a clear vision for The Social Street and knowing that they wanted me on the team gives me loads of confidence to do well. I am certain that my partnership with The Social Street will add a new dimension to my career.”
Mistry went on to add, “I feel events and experiential marketing is a lot more than just brand activations.” According to her it’s all about delivering a memorable 360-degree integrated marketing solution.
Brands
Funskool India crosses US$40 million turnover in FY 2025-26
Toy manufacturer posts steady growth despite global headwinds.
MUMBAI: Funskool India has played its cards well turning challenges into steady growth while keeping the fun alive in the toy business. The country’s leading toy manufacturer has reported a turnover of $40 million in FY 2025-26, demonstrating resilience in a difficult global environment. The company recorded an average growth of 14 per cent over the past two years, with exports growing at a healthy 19% year-on-year.
While domestic business grew at a modest single-digit pace, Funskool saw encouraging traction in key categories such as Fundough (dough) and Handycrafts (arts & crafts).
Funskool India Ltd. CEO K.A. Shabir said, “We successfully navigated the challenges posed by US tariffs last year and continued to grow both our export and domestic businesses. Given the ongoing geopolitical situation in West Asia, we are currently working with a moderate growth outlook of 12–15 per cent, with plans to revisit our targets after Q1 once the situation stabilises.”
He highlighted strengthened partnerships with global companies including Spin Master (Canada), Moose Toys (Australia), Melissa & Doug (USA), Asmodee (France), Learning Resources (USA), and Buffalo Games (USA). The expansion of the company’s Goa plant is progressing and is expected to be completed by the end of the current financial year.
Looking ahead, Funskool expects a significant shift in domestic growth momentum for FY 2026-27, driven by new categories such as friction vehicles under the brand “BlazeTrix”, remote-control cars under “VoltRush”, and the addition of popular licences like Paw Patrol.
In an industry where playtime never stops, Funskool has shown that even in turbulent times, a smart strategy and strong partnerships can keep the business ticking along nicely. As it gears up for the next financial year, the company appears well-positioned to build on its solid foundation and bring even more joy to children worldwide.
