MUMBAI: Being in the toys business is no child's play. But KA Shabir is willing to take on the challenge. From 1 January 2025, he has taken on the mantle of leading the leading Indian toymaker Funksool India Ltd , part of the MRF group, as its CEO.. He replaces the very affable R. Jeswant who was appointed in CEO in 2020 and retired year-end 2024.
Shabir has been with Funskool for over 33 years and is an accomplished techno commercial expert who has led many departments in Funskool such as international business, manufacturing, factory operations and new product development while also driving organisational growth.
“Funskool pioneered the concept of quality and safety in toys and has been instrumental in raising the standards of toys in India. To lead this 39-year-old organisation which has many firsts to its credit at a time when it is expanding rapidly, is an honour. As a team, we will bring out interesting and innovative creations to make playtime a delight for children,” said Shabir.
Amongst the firsts to its credit is the BIS certification for the electric toys it manufactures in its Goa plant as well for its non-electric toys it makes in its Ranipet manufacturing facility. It received both the certifications in October 2020, much before the government set deadline of 1 January 2021.
For over a decade, Shabir has been the face of Funskool in the international fora within the toy industry. He is hailed as one of the expert voices in the Indian toy industry. Shabir’s acumen for identifying market opportunities and devising tailor made strategies for new customers has expanded Funskool’s global footprints and its exports revenue.
Having excelled in his earlier role as vice president - international division and manufacturing, Shabir’s transition to the new role of CEO marks a new chapter in Funskool’s growth journey. Under his leadership, Funskool is poised to drive innovation in product development, explore new markets, win more marquee customers from across the globe, use the best of technologies to improve toy manufacturing, further the sustainability initiatives and redefine toy industry standards, says a company press release..
