The Toy Association Inc., the business trade association representing a wide array of manufacturers, retailers, licensors, and others involved in the youth entertainment industry, announced that Kathrin Belliveau, who most recently served as EVP and chief purpose officer at Hasbro, will be joining the organization in the newly created role of chief policy officer. 

After 16 years of service to the toy industry, Ed Desmond, executive vice president, Global Government & Regulatory Affairs, will be leaving The Toy Association to pursue new consulting opportunities. 

“We are incredibly grateful to Ed for his dedication to the global toy community and his leadership at the Association,” said Greg Ahearn, president and CEO of The Toy Association. “Ed has been a tremendous resource for our members and the industry at large. He will continue to work with us through the end of the year to ensure a seamless leadership transition prior to starting his new consulting business.”

Kathrin Belliveau will join The Toy Association as chief policy officer, effective Nov. 18. She will be responsible for global regulatory affairs and representation, toy safety and ethics initiatives, marketing and strategic communications, and consumer outreach. Belliveau will oversee both the Global Government & Regulatory Affairs and Strategic Communications departments, reporting to Greg Ahearn. Her direct reports include Adrienne Appell, EVP, marketing communications, Owen Caine, VP, government affairs, Jos Huxley, SVP technical affairs and Joan Lawrence, SVP standards & regulatory affairs. 

“I am delighted that Kathrin is bringing her vast industry experience to The Toy Association, joining as Chief Policy Officer,” Ahearn said. “As the industry continues to face new challenges and an evolving landscape, Kathrin’s executive-level leadership, extensive expertise and the depth of her network across the industry will be an invaluable resource and benefit to our members and toy companies around the globe.” 

Belliveau is a seasoned leader in global regulatory affairs, corporate social responsibility, and international business with more than 25 years of experience in the consumer and children’s products industry. While serving as EVP and Chief Purpose Officer at Hasbro, she was a member of the executive leadership team, overseeing global regulatory, government, and corporate affairs. Her tenure at Hasbro included a variety of roles where she held responsibility for safety, quality assurance, sustainability, ethical sourcing, philanthropy & social impact functions as well as The Hasbro Foundation.

Kathrin holds dual U.S. and EU (Greece) citizenship. She is a Magna Cum Laude, Phi Beta Kappa graduate of Wellesley College and holds a J.D. degree from Boston College Law School.