Dive Brief:
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Toys 'R' Us Tuesday said David Brandon will succeed Antonio Urcelay as CEO as of July 1.
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Brandon previously was CEO and chairman of Domino’s Pizza, but most recently, from 2010 until October, was athletic director at the University of Michigan. According to The Wall Street Journal, he left the AD position due to controversy over his handling of various issues within the department.
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Brandon has little experience with toy retail, but significant experience with taking companies public — leading the charge for both Domino's and direct-mail company Valassis.
Dive Insight:
The appointment of Brandon, considering his dearth of experience in the toy industry and his breadth of experience with IPOs, is widely seen as an indication that the retailer would like to go public once again.
Meanwhile, this is the third CEO for Toys 'R' Us in three years. It’s not clear yet whether Brandon will be able to address the retailer’s need for more streamlined omnichannel commerce.
