Humbrol to promote marketing

Humbrol, one of the world’s oldest model-making companies, is looking for a UK sales and marketing director to replace sales director Nevill Furber, who leaves this month.

Frank Martin, who was appointed chief executive last month, says Humbrol needs a sales director who will also take on the marketing function, to cope with an increased interest in the model kit sector, despite a downturn in the toy industry in recent years (MW November 10).

Martin says the chief executive’s role used to encompass marketing, but the new position will combine sales and marketing.

Furber, who has been at Humbrol for 12 months, is leaving to join the sales department at Mattel.

Humbrol was set up in 1919 and makes and distributes Airfix and Heller model kits, plus Humbrol paints. There are plans to increase marketing activity in the New Year, following Humbrol’s purchase last year by Irish investment firm Allen McGurie & Partners.