Uniquely placed in Southeast Asia, backed by nearly three decades of experience handling major international kids and lifestyle brands.
About Us
The Future Playground works with businesses, brands, and IP owners on tailor-made, innovative and tactical marketing, digital/technology and branding solutions supported by in-depth local knowledge and insights into kids and families.
We aim to provide market-access and presence for brands, content/IP owners, animators and inventors from International markets expanding into Asia and vice versa.
Work with brand owners to develop culturally-sensitive, locally-relevant marketing & promotions strategies in a meaningful and sustainable way.
Our global reach is amplified by our representation of, and affiliation with, companies based in Asia, North America and the UK.
“FOUNDERS”
RIKHI NARULA - CO-FOUNDER
Kid-preneur, Licensing Specialist and PLAY advocate
With over 30 years experience, Rikhi Narula is one of the most seasoned operators in the Kids & Licensing industry in South-east Asia.
His background, particularly in Indonesia & Singapore, includes establishing and running a successful consumer products & licensing agency, toys and infant products distribution and a home textiles business. He has worked with leading global brands such as Mattel, Disney, Nickelodeon, Chicco, Cannon among others.
As licensing agent, Rikhi worked intensively with major international brands such as Mattel, Pokémon, Garfield, Bakugan among others, nurturing strong merchandise and promotional partnerships with leading local and regional players.
Under his stewardship, Mattel’s licensing business achieved multiple ‘firsts’ in Indonesia – the world’s first Barbie boutique and first Hot Wheels boutique opened in Indonesia in 2005 and 2008 respectively. The first experiential Barbie Store opened in Jakarta in 2012.
Rikhi’s experience as a business operator and familiarity with local cultures and nuances in Southeast Asia are valuable assets to guide companies who are new to the region.
Rikhi was a founding member of AIMI, the Indonesian toys importers association. He also played an active role advocating on behalf of the toy industry to the Indonesian government during formulation of the Toys testing (SNI) law.
RAVI NARULA - CO-FOUNDER
Kid-preneur, TOY Specialist and PLAY advocate
Ravi Narula is one of the most experienced toy industry specialist of this generation.
With more than 25 years of experience in the International Toys and Licensing community, Ravi has led sales and marketing initiatives in Singapore and Indonesia for leading global brands like Mattel, Moose, Crayola, Spin Master, Takara Tomy, Bandai, Disney, Warner Bros. and Nickelodeon to name a few. He has earned a reputation in market leadership and best in class representation covering 25,000 distribution points.
Ravi has managed a sales and marketing team in excess of 800 people. During this time he gained tremendous knowledge in areas of market access, leadership presence and effectiveness, team building, employee engagement and organizational culture. He has also been immersed in product innovation and brand development projects
Recently, his commitment to kids and education has earned him a seat as Co Chair at the Wilson Global Initiative Jakarta chapter.
Ravi’s combination of passion and market immersion has equipped him with deep local insights and a skill set that would provide market access and tailor made branding to solutions to transform the play landscape in South East Asia.
