Golden Bear has restructured its senior management and hired a new marketing director.

Barry Hughes,who joined as commercial director in 2011,has been promoted to general manager.He will have the responsibility of managing the business and will report in directly to chairman John Hales.

Christine Nicholls,co-founder of the business,will become vice chairman and retain responsibility for design and product development.

Hales said:"I believe the restructure of our senior roles will give the company added impetus to tackle the challenges that lie ahead and an economic situation that is difficult for the entire industry."

Kate O'Leary has also been hired as marketing director.She recently held the position of marketing and sales manager of Bostik,and before that,marketing manager at baby feeding specialists Galpharm and Jackel International.

Barry Hughes added:"We are looking forward immensely to Kate starting with us in January.She will bring a greater depth to the marketing experience of the company and is eager to meet our customers at Toy Fair.

"It is clear that Kate understand the needs,goals and challenges of our customer base in what is a fast changing environment."

"With our new management structure,the ongoing success of the licences we introduced in 2012,the indication of great things to come for our new 2013 properties such as In the Night Garden,plus the expansion into older range product,2013 is promising to be a fantastic year for Golden Bear."