MAM
Mary Dillon is McDonald’s global chief marketing officer
MUMBAI: Fast food major McDonald’s has announced that Mary Dillon has been named executive VP and global chief marketing officer. She succeeds Larry Light, who will retire at the end of this year.
Dillon is currently President of Quaker Foods, a Chicago-based division of PepsiCo. She will assume her global responsibilities as McDonald’s marketing leader from 3 October. She reports to McDonald’s president and COO Mike Roberts.
McDonald’s CEO Jim Skinner said, “Mary Dillon is an extremely talented executive who brings a remarkable combination of marketing and general management expertise to McDonald’s. Mary will add energetic leadership and creative thinking to a global marketing team that continues to deepen relationships with our
customers. Mike and I are very confident that Mary has both the skills and the determination to lead our global marketing and brand management to an important new level.”
Dillon said, “This is one of the best marketing jobs in the world, and I am excited and immensely proud to join this world class team that touches millions of consumers every day. I would like to begin this new role by thanking Larry Light and the entire marketing team for building a tradition of customer relevancy at McDonald’s. I will work to continue this record of marketing leadership and build brand strength going forward.”
Roberts said that throughout the remainder of 2005 Dillon and the retiring Light will work closely to ensure a smooth marketing leadership transition. Additionally, Light will maintain a consulting relationship with McDonald’s after he retires, on terms to be determined.
Roberts said, “We want to make sure Mary has the full benefit of Larry’s creativity and strategic thinking. Our global marketing programme is one of the critical drivers of our business. A seamless transition — one that remains sharply focussed on our customers — is essential to our continued momentum.”
Dillon will be responsible for all aspects of global brand management, including strategy development, research, creative, marketing alliances, global sponsorships, and alignment with country-level marketing activities. She will also assume leadership of the McDonald’s Balanced Lifestyles Initiative.
Roberts added, “Mary’s diverse marketing background — in food, beverage, fitness and family-uniquely qualifies her to lead our charge to be increasingly relevant in the lives of our customers. We are making good progress, but we can and will do much more going forward.”
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.
