tonies®, the globally leading interactive audio platform for children, today announced the appointment of Mark McColgan as General Manager, North America. Effective immediately, McColgan leads tonies' largest market, overseeing operations with a focus on continuing the company's rapid growth through retail expansion and partnerships, as well as deeper consumer engagement. He will report to Christoph Frehsee, who, since 2020, has built tonies' North American activities from the ground up into a more than $300 million net revenue business. Most recently, in 2025, tonies in North America sustained its growth rate above the group average, increasing revenue by 40% year over year, in constant currency. In July 2025, Frehsee assumed the role of Chief Revenue Officer on tonies' Management Board. In his new capacity, he is responsible for tonies' global commercial strategy, enabling growth across all markets and driving international expansion.
"Mark is a dynamic leader with a proven track record of creating affinity for beloved brands. As we continue to deepen our footprint in North America, Mark's expertise and deep understanding of the market will be instrumental in continuing our high-growth momentum, making the U.S. and Canada a key driver for tonies' global growth," says Christoph Frehsee, CRO of tonies. "I look forward to working with Mark as we scale established and new partnerships in North America and realize our full potential in tonies' most important growth market."
McColgan brings more than two decades of leadership experience in the toy and consumer products industries. Most recently, he served as Senior Vice President and General Manager of Mattel US, where he led strategy, sales, and commercial growth. Having started his career in the industry as a store manager and buyer, he went on to scale major consumer brands and drove profitable growth in competitive markets in positions across the U.S. and U.K. With deep domestic expertise and international perspectives, McColgan contributed, among others, to the success of properties such as Mattel's Hot Wheels, Barbie, and Fisher-Price, Disney's Cars, and Universal's Wicked.
"With its unique audio-first approach, tonies has created a category of its own, scaled it, and continues to lead and redefine it. tonies' focus on creating moments that really matter has earned the trust and love of families around the world and inspired me to join: Tonieboxes bring together freedom for engaging play with parents' desire for a safe space that inspires growth," says Mark McColgan, General Manager of tonies, North America. "Building on strong momentum, there is massive, untapped potential in North America, and I'm thrilled to be joining the team to bring the tonies' unique experience to even more families across the country."
"North America is key to our global growth strategy. We have big ambitions, and we are delighted to have Mark join us to lead the next phase of scaling this important market," says Tobias Wann, CEO of tonies. "With his appointment and Christoph Frehsee fully moving into his CRO role, we are elevating our leadership to pursue our ambition of becoming a truly global icon – a brand trusted by families everywhere, with an ecosystem that grows along with kids as they get older."
Image courtesy of tonies
