UK-based Toikido has recruited mobile game veteran Johnny Taylor to spearhead the creative development of its gaming franchises. 

As chief creative officer, Taylor will oversee all of the company’s proprietary IPs, including its game-first Piñata Smashlings brand and four new games in development for launch within the next two years. He’s based in London and reports directly to Toikido founder and CEO Darran Garnham. 

Taylor is coming off an 11-month stint at social media giant Meta, where he served as creative director. Prior to that, he worked at Swedish mobile game developer King from 2015 to 2022 and led the visual development of new products for UK-based game developer Mind Candy as head of art from 2011 to 2015. Taylor has more than 29 years of experience in the digital gaming business and has worked on kids titles including puzzler Candy Crush, fighting game World of Warriors and RPG Moshi Monsters. 

Ahead of the July rollout of its Piñata Smashlings Roblox game and toys, Toikido established a US division earlier this month to build out more branding and merchandise opportunities in North America. This team is led by managing director Darryl Lai, who reports to Toikido’s chief commercial officer, Will Ochoa.