Director of public affairs and communications will be leaving the association on 12 October, 2021.
Natasha Crookes is to leave her role as director of public affairs and communications at the BTHA later this year, the association has confirmed.
Natasha (pictured) joined the BTHA in 2002 as deputy Toy Fair organiser, taking over the head of Toy Fair position in 2003.
She moved on to run the communications and public affairs team in 2007 and has led that work ever since. Natasha has been responsible for establishing the Make Time 2 Play campaign and the setting up and work of the Sustainability committee, as well as working with Jerry Burnie on the important toy safety campaign on online marketplaces.
Most recently she has been instrumental in guiding BTHA members through the turbulence of Brexit and Covid with the wider team, representing member interest with all levels of government. Natasha has been a positive voice for the industry with media, regulators and stakeholders. She will continue to serve members until she leaves on 12 October.
“Natasha has been a great colleague over so many years and has made a huge difference for the better for this association and its members,” said Roland earl, director general of the BTHA. “I would like to publicly thank her for her tremendous dedication and service on behalf of us all.
“We are very sorry to see her leave us but wish her every success in the future – and trust our paths will continue to cross in this marvellous industry of toys, games and hobbies.”
Natasha added: “It is with much regret that I am leaving the BTHA. I have worked for the association for 19 years, most recently in the role of public affairs. I have always enjoyed the excitement of finding solutions to the complex challenges that the toy industry has to address.
“I am now setting up a PR and public affairs consultancy to be able to take those skills forward whilst working for myself. I have met many lovely people in the industry, and in the many organisations we all interact with, and I hope to stay in touch with you all after 12 October.”
