Meet our founders.

Ronnen’s expertise and passion for children’s entertainment have led to the creation of award-winning programming and franchises including PAW Patrol, Bakugan, Rusty Rivets and Little Charmers, which have touched the lives of children in more than 160 countries. These wildly-popular series transcend cultural boundaries with universal characters and storylines that have travelled the globe, capturing the imagination and play of millions of kids around the world.

As the leader of Spin Master’s entertainment division, Ronnen plays an integral role in developing new entertainment properties, forging industry partnerships and building relationships with domestic and international broadcasters to bring the magic of Spin Master to kids through a variety of media channels. His latest venture is the company’s first foray into feature film.

In addition to overseeing the company’s entertainment division, licensing and digital studios, Ronnen is focused on unlocking ideas and fostering innovation throughout the organization, empowering employees to reach their full potential. He pushes boundaries and challenges teams to innovate and garners executive alignment to move the business forward. His commitment to developing people extends beyond Spin Master. Building on his own legacy of innovation and entrepreneurship, Ronnen lends his time and support to organizations like Futurepreneur, a national non-profit organization that provides financing, mentoring and support tools to aspiring business owners.

Ronnen has a strong sense of social responsibility and is passionate about giving back to enrich the lives of children. In 2013, he founded the Toy Movement, a global initiative that provides toys to children in need, giving them the opportunity to experience the joy of play. Since its inception, Spin Master has led missions to over 10 countries, including Iraq, Israel, Mexico and South Africa, delivering more than 350,000 toys to disadvantaged or displaced children.

Anton’s fearless entrepreneurial mindset was instrumental in the early years of Spin Master, helping to create a culture of risk-taking and acceptance of failure. During the first decade with the company, Anton led many functions including sales, marketing and human resources, where he attracted and developed talent, and created and managed relationships with domestic and international retailers. In recent years, Anton has spearheaded the company’s global expansion with the establishment of international offices in more than 20 countries. He plays a foundational role in Spin Master acquisitions, with close to 20 completed to date, including Tech Deck, Cardinal, Meccano and most recently GUND. Anton is also focused on business development and building international subsidiaries for worldwide marketing and distribution. His passion and leadership of the games category has helped to establish and expand the company’s position within this area.

Described as an “energy force” by his colleagues, Anton is passionate about people, promoting the company’s culture and inspiring employees. He embodies Spin Master’s values and is relentlessly committed to finding, developing and acquiring world-class talent. His current focus is Project Inspire, aimed at creating a best-in-class workplace that empowers employees to achieve their best, while also attracting top talent to build a foundation for Spin Master’s long-term success.

Over the course of his career, Anton has received numerous accolades, including being recognized by the Globe and Mail’s Report on Business magazine as a Top 40 Under 40. He generously shares his knowledge and time by engaging in a wide range of community organizations and charitable causes. Outside of work, Anton is extremely passionate about spending time with his family and living a healthy lifestyle. His love of tennis, instilled in him as a child, has incited an interest to study the science of human psychology. He is obsessed with continuous learning and keeping an open mind set. Anton has combined insights from his business, sports and psychology to create a new video series, Mindstones™, to help coach and inspire others.

Ben Varadi is a co-founder of Spin Master and is currently Executive Vice President, Chief Creative Officer and a member of the company’s board of directors. He, along with his co-founders, was a recipient of Canada’s Ernst & Young’s Entrepreneur of the Year in 1999 in the Emerging Entrepreneur Category and has been featured as a Top 40 under 40 executive for his achievements in Canada and the global marketplace. He plays an active role in product design and development and his creative approach remains influential to Spin Master’s product selection.

Meet our founders.

Ben Varadi, Director, Executive Vice President and Chief Creative Officer