MAM
Andrew House is Sony Corporation’s new chief marketing officer
MUMBAI: Sony Corporation announced today that Andrew House has been promoted to the newly-created position of chief marketing officer and group executive, effective immediately. He will report jointly to Sony Corporation chairman and CEO Howard Stringer and Sony Corporation President and Sony Electronics CEO Dr. Ryoji Chubachi.
“Sony’s brand is one of the company’s greatest assets,” said Stringer. “Andy will work toward creating a brand personality unique to Sony, one that reflects all aspects of our business.”
“Sony is one of the world’s most recognized and best loved brands, so this is a very exciting opportunity,” said House. “My challenge will be to enhance our brand further by taking advantage of all the assets across the organization globally, including both electronics and entertainment.”
In his new role House will have global responsibility for corporate marketing across all of Sony’s businesses, with a primary emphasis on building value in the Sony brand and helping divisions to work together to enhance Sony’s relationship with the consumer. He will also develop a consistent and coordinated marketing approach across segments to represent a united Sony, with special focus on advertising and promotional activities.
House joined Sony in 1990, and spent his first five years working in corporate communications for Sony Corporation in Japan. In April 1995, he joined the marketing and communications division of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc., the parent company for Sony Computer Entertainment America and Sony Computer Entertainment Europe. There, he was responsible for the marketing and promotion of Sony Computer Entertainment’s European and US developed game titles for the Japanese market prior to leading the marketing effort for Sony Computer Entertainment America beginning in March 1996.
Since 2002 House has held the position of executive vice president, Sony Computer Entertainment America, where he oversaw all facets of the company’s marketing and brand management efforts in North America, and was responsible for third party and developer relations.
During his tenure, House was instrumental in the creation and execution of the marketing strategy that transformed and expanded the PlayStation brand into a household name, appealing to a mass-market audience. He was a key player in developing award-winning advertising campaigns for the company, including the innovating marketing campaign for the launch of PlayStation Portable in North America. In 1999 and 2000 AdAge magazine included him in its “Power 50” list.
House is originally from Wales and is a British citizen. He will be based in the US and Japan.
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.
