A 30-year-plus veteran of the toy industry, Chris held major marketing and creative positions in the early part of his career. Since 1988, he has run Byrne Communications, a consultancy that works in produce development and marketing. He consults on entertainment and licensing (animated and live action), has written seven books on toys and play, speaks extensively on the role and benefits of play in child development, and appears on TV talking about toys and play in the U.S. and around the world. His book Funny Business, Harnessing the Power of Play to Give Your Business a Competitive Advantage, has been used in a variety of industries, and his textbook An Introduction to The U.S. Toy Industry: Serious Fun is used in undergraduate and graduate business programs. He creates and facilitates corporate training programs designed to foster play and creativity as a springboard to innovation. He appears regularly on Live with Kelly and Ryan and is the co-host of The Playground Podcast.

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