Canada-based toy and entertainment company Spin Master has tapped Nancy Zwiers, founder and CEO of brand-building consulting and invention firm Funosophy, as its new chief marketing officer, effective November 9.

Zwiers joined the toy industry in 1990 with Mattel, where she served in such senior positions as SVP of worldwide marketing – Barbie, and GM of the toyco’s Girls Division.  She also gained brand-building experience from her tenure at Procter & Gamble.

In her most recent role with California-based Funosophy, Zwiers spent 16 years helping more than 200 clients, from industry leaders to startups, build and expand their brands. She has also been a strategic partner and facilitator for a number of industry executives, leading to the development of many franchises. Additionally, her extensive research on kids and play has translated to licensing success.

Zwiers has been a consultant to Spin Master since 2002. Last month, fresh off promoting Laura Clunie to VP of entertainment, Spin Master mined some of its in-house talent to fill senior executive roles within its entertainment division.