Stephen O’Connor and Joanna Drage, who launched the company at Toy Fair 2010, will retire this Christmas
Stephen O’Connor and Joanna Drage, the founding Directors of Thames and Kosmos, have announced they are to retire at the end of 2025.
The pair launched the UK distribution arm for Stuttgart-based Kosmos at London Toy Fair in 2010. Over the past 15 years, they have grown the company into a leading science kit and board game distributor in the UK, and a stalwart of the UK toy trade.
When they bow out at the end of the year, Stephen and Jo will hand over the reins of the company to Emma Hanlon, who has been with the company for 12 years and was their first employee, and National Account Manager Andrew Morris, who joined the company 18 months ago.
“We have really enjoyed working in the toy industry, and would like to thank the many customers and suppliers in the industry who we have shared countless fabulous, hilarious and (mostly) memorable times with,” said Stephen. “We will really miss meeting old friends at the shows every year, however, it’s now time for us to hang up our clogs and let the new generation take the company forward. We wish them all the best for the future.”
Thames and Kosmos will close for Christmas at midday on 19 December. The last day for orders to arrive pre-Christmas is midday tomorrow, Wednesday 17 December.
