Global Toy News Insight
Paladone WeCool is strengthening its U.S. product development operation with the appointment of Matthew Lauderbach as Product Development Director. Lauderbach brings more than 25 years of toy design and development experience, including leadership roles at Fisher-Price, Spin Master, Skip Hop and Just Play. His background covers the full development cycle—from concept creation and design management through engineering and commercialization—giving Paladone WeCool additional experience as it expands its toy, gift and creative-play portfolio.
For retailers and licensing partners, the appointment also signals continued investment in product innovation and U.S. growth. Paladone WeCool combines licensed and proprietary products with WeCool’s strengths in compounds, crafts and sensory play, and the company says Lauderbach will help expand its portfolio and bring new products to market. With WeCool products already distributed across more than 35 countries, strengthening U.S.-based development could help the company accelerate concepts from development to retail while supporting its relationships with licensors and retail partners.
POINT PLEASANT, N.J., Sept. 30, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Paladone WeCool, the global consumer products company behind a portfolio of licensed and proprietary toys, gifts and creative play products, has announced the appointment of Matthew Lauderbach as Product Development Director.
Matthew joins Paladone WeCool with more than 25 years of experience in toy design and product development. Throughout his career, he has held leadership roles with organizations including Fisher-Price, Spin Master, Skip Hop and Just Play. His expertise spans concept creation, design management, engineering and commercialization.
Commenting on his appointment, Matthew Lauderbach said:
“I’ve long admired Paladone WeCool’s ability to create products that inspire creativity and encourage hands-on play. I was already a fan of the Compound Kings and iLY Sticker Maker ranges, having seen firsthand how engaging those products can be for kids.
“The company’s commitment to innovation, quality and product development made this an exciting opportunity, and I’m looking forward to helping expand the portfolio and bring new products to market.”
Jeff Osnato, President of WeCool Toys, added:
“Matthew brings valuable experience and industry insight to Paladone WeCool at an important time in our growth. His expertise across product development will strengthen our US operation and help us continue to deliver products that connect with consumers, retailers and our licensing partners.
“We’re delighted to welcome Matthew to the team and look forward to seeing the impact he’ll make.”
About Paladone WeCool:
Paladone is a global leader in licensed and non-licensed toys, games, gifts and branded merchandise. With showrooms worldwide and a commitment to trend-led, quality products, Paladone continues to delight consumers and build trusted partnerships with retailers globally.
WeCool Toys Inc. is a global designer and manufacturer of innovative toys, compounds, crafts and sensory products. With end-to-end capabilities spanning concept development through to worldwide distribution, the company has launched thousands of products across more than 35 countries. WeCool is focused on redefining creative play through innovation, speed to market and category-leading product experiences.
Together, the two companies combine creative innovation, manufacturing expertise and global retail reach to deliver market-leading products to consumers around the world.
