WAYNE, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Toys“R”Us, Inc., the world’s leading dedicated toy and baby products retailer, today announced that Amy von Walter will join the company as Executive Vice President, Global Communications and Public Relations, effective March 14. She will report directly to Chairman and CEO Dave Brandon.
Ms. von Walter comes to Toys“R”Us from Best Buy where she was Vice President of Communications and Public Affairs. There, she led the corporate communications and brand public relations functions, restructured the company’s Internal Communications team and partnered closely with the Corporate Social Responsibility, Community Relations and Government Affairs to support policy and advocacy efforts.
In her new role, Ms. von Walter’s responsibilities will span both external and internal communications for the company. This includes strategic efforts related to media relations, crisis management and brand reputation in the public and the press, as well as special events and team member engagement. She will also lead philanthropic efforts, emphasizing the company’s commitment to keeping children safe and helping them in times of need.
“Communications touches every aspect of our business and is especially critical as we strive to grow our brand presence throughout the world and make our culture a competitive advantage,” said Mr. Brandon. “Amy brings proven leadership experience at several global brands where she strategically and effectively communicated with key stakeholders. I am confident that she will be a strong collaborator across all of our company functions and that she will provide valuable guidance as we seek to expand the depth and breadth of our communications reach.”
Ms. von Walter serves as a member of the Board of Directors for two organizations: Athletes Committed to Educating Students (ACES), which aims to reduce the academic achievement gap and improve the future for at-risk students in Minneapolis and St. Paul, MN, as well as Techbridge, which strives to inspire girls in underserved communities to discover a passion for science, technology and engineering.
Previously, Ms. von Walter held leadership positions in public relations, public affairs and corporate communications at Medtronic, HealthPartners, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the Metropolitan Airports Commission. She has also worked for Target Corporation and CBS Radio.
Ms. von Walter earned her bachelor’s degree in broadcast journalism and public relations from the University of Minnesota.
FOR MEDIA USE: Download a photo of Amy von Walter here: https://toysrus.sharefile.com/d-sb1c645259fc44009.
About Toys“R”Us, Inc.
Toys“R”Us, Inc. is the world’s leading dedicated toy and baby products retailer, offering a differentiated shopping experience through its family of brands. Merchandise is sold in 865 Toys“R”Us and Babies“R”Us stores in the United States, Puerto Rico and Guam, and in more than 750 international stores and more than 245 licensed stores in 37 countries and jurisdictions. In addition, it exclusively operates the legendary FAO Schwarz brand and sells extraordinary toys at FAO.com. With its strong portfolio of e-commerce sites including Toysrus.com and Babiesrus.com, it provides shoppers with a broad online selection of distinctive toy and baby products. Headquartered in Wayne, NJ, Toys“R”Us, Inc. has an annual workforce of approximately 62,000 employees worldwide. The company is committed to serving its communities as a caring and reputable neighbor through programs dedicated to keeping kids safe and helping them in times of need. Additional information about Toys“R”Us, Inc. can be found on Toysrusinc.com. Follow Toys“R”Us and Babies“R”Us on Facebook at Facebook.com/Toysrus and Facebook.com/Babiesrus and on Twitter at Twitter.com/Toysrus and Twitter.com/Babiesrus.
