Tel Aviv-based toyco PMI Kids’ World is entering into a new era of leadership as Omer Dekel (pictured right) transitions from his role as chief operating officer (COO) to CEO, succeeding his father, Boaz Dekel (pictured left), after three decades. 

Boaz handed the reins of the company to Omer yesterday, on the opening day of the Nuremberg International Toy Fair in Germany. As part of this transition, Boaz will remain active in the company in his new role as chairman. 

Omer’s remit as CEO includes managing PMI Kids’ World’s operations, building up the toyco’s retail and distribution channels worldwide, and seeking out new IPs it can leverage into consumer products. He will also oversee PMI entering into the preschool space later this year with new toy ranges based on Spin Master’s PAW Patrol brand and the CG-animated animal detective series The Creature Cases from Sony Pictures Television Kids. 

The father and son duo have been working on this transition for the past two years, which began shortly after Omer became the company’s COO in 2021. While under their collective leadership, PMI signed deals to manufacture and distribute several new licensed toy ranges, including Sonic Prime (mini-figures, plush), Piñata Smashlings (surprise eggs, action figures) and Pudgy Penguins collectibles. 

The former CEO launched the toyco in 1995 as a subsidiary of his shipping and distribution company the Bar Group. He later transitioned to managing PMI’s operations full-time in 2009 to spearhead its growth, which now distributes toys to more than 130 countries worldwide.