Audrey Knott

Manage the product development process for licensed consumer goods from concept approval through production. Direct the product design and aesthetics based on trends, retail needs, and licensor style guides, and act as the development liaison between licensor and client. Develop and present design concepts to clients, then execute design projects to client's satisfaction. Projects include: event design, set and wardrobe styling, graphic designs including: marketing collateral, logos, custom prints and wedding invitation suites.

Managed the toy and game product portfolio and direct product designers and engineering teams in initial stages of development and in ongoing production phases to ensure highest quality output that is on time and on budget. Responsible for category research to evaluate new product ideas relative to market trends and competitive products - identified white space, trend, and value opportunities. Managed Licensed Properties - Designed and developed licensed products and maintained licensor relationships for all toy product categories. Ensured product compliance to brand identity standards for licensed products.

Led the Shark floor steamer product portfolio, responsible for planning, organizing, directing and providing the leadership to achieve short-range and long-range business development objectives. Directed and international, cross-functional team in the execution of all product development activities: concept ideation and definition, branding and marketing strategies, packaging, quality and engineering, sourcing materials and technologies, consumer insights research and testing. Responsible for marketing strategies (i.e. product definition, branding, required features, packaging, pricing, etc.) and directing marketing activities to maximize sales and profit.

Directed licensees to develop product lines and key retail merchandising strategies for all Hasbro brands: ensuring products reflect quality, brand & competitive advantage objectives. Generated more than 50% of all revenue for North America. Led the design and development of the My Little Pony plush toy line, in a record of 8 months from concept through production. Under my leadership it became the #1 Girls Toy at Walmart, resulting in multiple partnerships in the plush category. Established the product development protocol, resulting in a more efficient process from concept through production. Managed all product approvals and timely tracking of key phases in the development time lines against intended ship dates.

Reported directly to the Vice President of Product Development to create and implement strategies aligned to company vision and the needs of current and potential licensors and retailers. Managed teams in the US & China offices, directing work across the full product development life-cycle from concept through production (including product managers, product designers, packaging designers, sourcing teams, etc.). Responsible for hiring decisions, promotions, performance management, and mentorship. Directed relationships with Far East factories to ensure samples and final products met the company's and licensor's vision and design. Determined the product line assortment, executed the development, and managed all licensor approvals.

Designed and developed toy and juvenile products for a roster of high profile clients.

Manufacturing Engineering at Boston University is an interdisciplinary field with a design emphasis that encompasses a broad range of areas, including materials and machining, automation and microelectronics, and systems and control. Students have the opportunity to study real-world manufacturing technologies with world-renowned faculty members and state-of-the-art facilities, and to work alongside professors conducting cutting-edge research.

Concentrating on toy design for the infant through ‘tween markets, the curriculum includes design and engineering of soft and hard toys, game and doll design, product safety, child psychology, motor learning development, packaging, Computer-Aided Industrial Design, marketing, promotion, and the business of toys.