Mary Price and David Martin to step down after 11 years at Addo Play as further changes take place to the senior leadership structure of The Entertainer Group.
Mary Price, Co-Founder and CEO of Addo Play
Andrew Murphy, Teal Group Chief Executive, has announced that, 11 years since founding the business, Mary Price and David Martin have, by mutual agreement with Teal Group, decided that now is the right time for them to step away from the Addo Play business.
He stated: “Since its founding in 2015, Addo Play has delivered exceptional products and outstanding growth. Under Mary and Dave’s leadership, the Addo brand was created, which has launched over 30 subcategories and has become an industry leading value brand. In 2019 they became custodians of the renowned UK pre-school specialty brand Early Learning Centre and in 2025 Addo Play took on global design, manufacturing, sales and marketing of the world-famous construction brand Meccano. The business was also instrumental in re-introducing, re-imagining and driving the international success of the Fuggler brand from 2020 to 2024.
“From humble beginnings of just two people with two laptops, Addo Play has grown into a world-class sourcing, design, wholesale, licensing and OEM business. Today, more than 1,000 Addo Play products are available and have been listed through the years – not only in The Entertainer stores, but also in Tesco, M&S, Matalan, Walmart US, Target Australia, Toys R Us Canada and many more retail partners in over 30 international markets.”
David Martin, Co-Founder and CEO of Addo Play
The multi award winning business has supplied product generating more than $1b of retail sales to date. Mary and Dave’s leadership and vision has built a talented and passionate team of 70 which has brought fun and positive learning experiences to millions of children globally.
As Addo Play continues its evolution as part of the Employee Ownership Trust, Mary and Dave feel this is a natural moment to pass the baton to their team. This decision follows long-term discussions with Teal Group and will allow them to focus on new opportunities, as well as initially enjoying more well-earned time with their families.
Andrew Murphy added: “On behalf of the entire Group, I would like to express sincere thanks to Mary and Dave for their immense contribution, their entrepreneurial spirit and the legacy they leave behind. We know the Addo Play team will continue to thrive within Teal Group and build on the strong foundations they have created. In light of Dave and Mary’s news, there are some further changes to the senior leadership structure and line-up of The Entertainer Group.
“The first is the appointment of Tim Bettley as Managing Director of Addo Play on an interim basis. Tim has enjoyed a career of over 30 years in retail, working in senior commercial roles at major UK retailers including Peacock Group, Poundland and Morrisons. Most recently he was the Interim Managing Director of The Original Factory Shop.
“We are also delighted to confirm the appointment of Lisa Hollidge as Group Chief Commercial Officer. Lisa will lead all product and trading activities of The Entertainer Group, bringing to bear the full scope of her extensive product, sourcing and commercial trading experience and skill, gained during a career which has included time with both Marks and Spencer and Sainsburys, where her most recent role was as Business Unit Director for Seasonal, Home, Toys and Electricals.”
Geoff Sheffield, Buying Director at The Entertainer
Andrew also confirmed the appointment of Geoff Sheffield in the critical role of Buying Director, on a permanent basis, working alongside Lisa. He said: “Geoff brings unrivalled industry knowledge to the role and will work with the buying team and our suppliers to deliver a market leading product offering across all our channels – both UK and International.”
Finally, Andrew announced the expansion of Phil Savage’s role as he becomes Group Chief International and Business Development Officer, consolidating the leadership of the company’s Toybox proposition, combining wholesale, franchise and concession models under a single ‘go-to-market’ approach globally.
All of the above appointments will take effect from Monday 13th April 2026.
