Toys ‘R’ Us names leadership team for Asian businesses

Wayne, N.J. – Toys “R” Us has named the leadership team for its retail business operations in Southeast Asia and Greater China, following the recent announcement of its new joint venture agreement with Li & Fung Retailing. With this agreement, the existing Toys “R” Us business operations in the region, which had previously been licensed, are now majority owned and controlled by Toys “R” Us.



Monika Merz, currently president and CEO, Toys “R” Us, Japan has been named president, Toys “R” Us, Asia. In addition to providing ongoing leadership for the Toys “R” Us businesses in Japan and Australia, Merz’s role has been expanded to include oversight and further development of the company’s operations across seven markets throughout Asia.



Pieter Schats has been named managing director, Toys “R” Us, Southeast Asia and Greater China. Prior to this, Schats served as CEO of Toys LiFung (Asia) Limited, which previously operated the Toys “R” Us business in Asia under a licensing agreement. In his new capacity, Mr. Schats is responsible for all operations and business activities for the company’s 90 wholly owned stores in Brunei, China, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Singapore, Taiwan and Thailand. He also provides support for the company’s 14 licensed stores in the Philippines and Macau. Schats reports to Merz.