Toys, Games, & Licensed Products
Talent Acquisition Experts
For 30+ years, we’ve connected toy, game, and licensed products brands with top talent to build leadership teams that spark innovation and bring imagination to life. Combining TalentoHC’s global reach with De Forest Search’s industry expertise, we place executives shaping the future of play.
Unmatched Expertise in Toys, Games & Licensed Products
We’ve built leadership teams for the world’s most iconic toys, games, and licensed products—driving creativity, innovation, and growth.
De Forest Search, powered by TalentoHC
We partner with toys, games, and licensed products brands to place transformative leaders who ignite creativity, innovation, and growth worldwide.
Exclusive Partners | 300+ Placements | 30+ Years | Global Reach
Building the Teams Behind the Toys, Games & Licensed Products Brands That Shape Play
C-Suite & Senior Leadership
Global Toy Company
Chief Marketing Officer
Global Toy Manufacturer
EVP, Global Sales & Brand Licensing
Toy Company
SVP, Brands
Global Toy Manufacturer
VP, Global Brand Strategy
Toy Company
Toy Company
Chief Financial Officer
Global Toy Manufacturer
EVP, Entertainment
Global Toy Company
SVP, Operations
Global Toy Manufacturer
VP, Digital Strategy
Toy Company
Toy Company
SVP, Entertainment
Fortune 500 Toy Company
VP, Marketing
Toy Company
VP, Product Development
Global Toy Company
VP, Design & Development
Toy Manufacturer
Functional & Department Leadership
Fashion
Director, Brand Licensing
Toy Manufacturer
Director of Marketing
Toy Company
Creative Director
Toy Manufacturer
Director, Creative Content
Gaming Studio
Toy Manufacturer
Director, Product Design & Development
Toy Company
Director, Retail Development
Toy Company
Head of Digital Marketing
Toy Manufacturer
Director, Brand Marketing
Global Studio
Toy Manufacturer
Director, Product Design
Toy Company
Sr. Manager, Social Media
Toy Manufacturer
Sr. Manager, Preliminary Engineering
Toy Manufacturer
Director, Product Management
Entertainment Studio
Meet Jill
Jill De Forest is one of the most trusted names in toy industry executive search, with over 30 years of experience connecting top talent to the world’s most iconic brands.
Jill began her career at AppleOne, earning back-to-back “Top Performer of the Year” honors before launching her own agency, Sawyer & Associates, which she grew to four offices and 65 employees in just two years. In 1995, she joined Mattel as Talent Acquisition Manager, overseeing recruitment for Marketing, Brand Licensing, Creative, Product Design & Development, and Technology.. Within two years, Jill launched De Forest Search with Mattel’s full endorsement, becoming a go-to search partner for the toy industry.
For over 30 years, Jill and her team have been placing transformational leaders across marketing, creative, brand licensing, product design & development, retail development, sales, operations, and technology—powering the brands that shape the future of play. In 2023, De Forest Search joined forces with TalentoHC, combining deep toy expertise with global capabilities to deliver unparalleled results for clients worldwide.
“As brands evolve and the demand for exceptional leadership intensifies, our mission remains the same—delivering world-class talent that drives business forward.”
Jill had represented and placed me in the role of EVP at Disney Consumer Products, and I have worked with Jill throughout the years for my hiring needs when hiring for my teams at Mattel, Disney and Play Monster. Jill is very well-rounded and knowledgeable in the toy and entertainment industry. I have always found Jill to be a great resource for my critical hiring needs as she knows the talent and moves quickly.
I have known and worked with Jill De Forest for over 25 years, whether it was to provide recommendations or to discuss a possible role for me, she has always been diligent and thoughtful in her approach. Jill placed me as the Head of Global Consumer Products at both Fox and Miraculous Corp. Jill always goes above and beyond to accommodate in respect to relocation needs and even suggesting interim housing options. I highly recommend Jill and De Forest Search for any hiring needs in the toy and entertainment industries.
Jill De Forest Recruited me from the Fashion industry for a VP of Licensing, for Mattel. While I was not looking to make a change, Jill presented a very compelling reason why it would be worthwhile to explore and how the fashion industry and toy industry have many similarities. I agreed to interview and since enjoyed an 11- year career running North American Consumer Products and subsequently Global Strategy until I retired. Jill was great every step of the way and truly cares about finding the best match for her clients.
Diane Reichenberger
Former VP, Consumer Products Global Strategy
Jill De Forest Recruited me from the Fashion industry for a VP of Licensing, for Mattel. While I was not looking to make a change, Jill presented a very compelling reason why it would be worthwhile to explore and how the fashion industry and toy industry have many similarities. I agreed to interview and since enjoyed an 11- year career running North American Consumer Products and subsequently Global Strategy until I retired. Jill was great every step of the way and truly cares about finding the best match for her clients.
Andy Yeatman
CEO
I met Jill De Forest at New York Toy Fair 25 years ago. She recruited me for a role as Vice President Marketing for Electronic Arts. I was impressed with her extensive relationships in the industry. Years later, Jill placed me again in my dream role as a Vice President, Marketing in the Boys Toys Group at Mattel. Since then, I have engaged De Forest Search over the past 20 years, as my go-to Recruitment Partner whenever I had hiring needs. She has helped me recruit and build high performance teams in three different companies. I am always happy with Jill’s responsiveness, confidentiality, and ability to fill my roles quickly with qualified candidates. I Strongly recommend her.
Bob Aniello
Partner
I have had the pleasure of working with Jill De Forest over the past several years and consider her a trusted advisor in my executive career. She placed me in a senior executive position at an entertainment studio and was extremely helpful and patient.
Kirk Bloomgarden
SVP, Global Consumer Products
SEPTEMBER 10 2025
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UPCOMING EVENT
Toy Association Happy Hour
Hosted by De Forest Search
Sign up to receive early details and be the first to know when official registration opens.
Let’s Find Your Next Game-Changer
Whether you’re building a leadership team or scaling for growth, De Forest Search Powered by TalentoHC is your talent partner.
Visit Us or Reach Out
Our Office
360 N Pacific Coast Hwy, 2nd Floor,
El Segundo, CA 90245
Contact Us
Jill@deforestsearch.com
(310) 683-3066
Recruiting at Talento
Transform your recruitment strategy with Talento’s agile, business-centric approach to talent acquisition. Our specialists align with your unique business model, market dynamics, and future growth objectives to streamline your hiring process. By pairing local market intelligence with deep industry expertise, we help you eliminate search friction, elevate performance, and build your strongest workforce yet.