Spin Master appoints Marc De Vellis as head of Digital Games Creative Centre

Spin Master appointed Marc De Vellis as executive vice president and president of its Digital Games Creative Centre.

In this expanded leadership role, De Vellis will oversee all aspects of the Digital Games Creative Centre, including Spin Master’s flagship digital platforms, Toca Boca and PikNik— that together engage 58 million users globally.

With more than 23 years of game development experience, including the last three at Spin Master in progressively senior positions—most recently as global head of studios—De Vellis brings a strong track record of innovation, operational excellence, and leadership. He will be responsible for creative development, talent and resource management, and driving strategic growth across Spin Master’s digital games portfolio.

“Marc has played a pivotal role in shaping the company’s digital games strategy, elevating our creative execution and overall player experience,” said Christina Miller, Spin Master’s CEO, in a statement. “His deep industry expertise and passion for play will further our vision to spark moments of connection and imagination through playful, inclusive experiences for kids globally.” 

Spin Master’s new master Marc De Vellis.

“I look forward to building on the strong foundation of creativity and trust we’ve established with the millions of kids that engage with Toca Boca and PikNik,” said Marc De Vellis, in a statement.  “Together, with our studio teams, we are delivering meaningful digital experiences and fostering the next generation of creators, thinkers and storytellers.”

Spin Master is a leading global children’s entertainment company, creating exceptional play experiences across its three creative centres: toys, entertainment and digital games.

With worldwide toy distribution, Spin Master is best known for award-winning brands including PAW Patrol, Melissa & Doug, Bakugan and Rubik’s Cube, and is the global toy licensee for other iconic properties.

With 29 offices spanning nearly 20 countries, Spin Master employs more than 2,500 team members globally. 

Dean Takahashi

Dean Takahashi is editorial director for GamesBeat. He has been a tech journalist since 1988, and he has covered games as a beat since 1996. He was lead writer for GamesBeat at VentureBeat from 2008 to April 2025. Prior to that, he wrote for the San Jose Mercury News, the Red Herring, the Wall Street Journal, the Los Angeles Times, and the Dallas Times-Herald. He is the author of two books, "Opening the Xbox" and "The Xbox 360 Uncloaked." He organizes the annual GamesBeat Next, GamesBeat Summit and GamesBeat Insider Series: Hollywood and Games conferences and is a frequent speaker at gaming and tech events. He lives in the San Francisco Bay Area.