Toys’R’Us has announced that Monika Merz, president, Asia Pacific, will retire effective May 31. Her successor will be named later.

As president of Toys’R’Us Asia Pacific, Merz oversees all operations and business activities for the company’s more than 300 stores in Japan, Southeast Asia, Greater China and Australia, responsible for the continued growth, profitability and success of the company in those markets.

Since she started working at Toys“R”Us, Merz has been instrumental in the development of new store formats and merchandising concepts that have been successfully translated to other markets, ultimately strengthening the company’s position in the global marketplace.

Dave Brandon, chairman and CEO, described Merz as a highly regarded leader “who has inspired new ideas, demonstrated innovative thinking and unwavering passion for the business and grown our Toys’R’Us brand internationally, even through challenging times and market transitions”.

Merz’s retirement will bring to a close a remarkable career of nearly 20 years of continuous service to the company. She joined in 1996 as VP and GM, Toys’R’Us, Canada and was promoted to president, Toys’R’Us, Canada four years later. In 2007, she assumed leadership of Toys’R’Us, Japan. Her role was expanded to include responsibility for the company’s stores in Australia in 2011, and, later that year, she gained oversight of the company’s locations and corporate offices in Southeast Asia and Greater China when the company entered a joint venture agreement with Li & Fung to operate these formerly licensed stores.

“During my time at Toys’R’Us I’ve had many experiences and challenges, but I’ve always been supported by exceptional teams and leaders,” she reflected. “I’m proud of all that we have accomplished and confident that the work we have done to provide a fun and memorable shopping experience for customers will continue after my retirement. After more than eight years in Asia Pacific, I’m now looking forward to returning to Canada and a new stage in my life.”