Manny Stul took over Moose in 2000, then an Australian toy company with 10 employees, having already founded and built Skansen Giftware, which listed on the Australian Stock Exchange in 1993. In his 16 years running Moose, Manny has increased sales by 7,200% and built a global business that is now the fourth largest toy company in Australia and, by sales, the sixth-largest in the US. Moose sells its toys, including the well-known Shopkins characters and Little Live Pets, in more than 80 countries.

Rebecca MacDonald, Founder and Executive Chair of Just Energy Group and Chair of the World Entrepreneur Of The Year judging panel, says:

“Our unanimous decision was reached after long and tough deliberations. Manny was our choice, not only due to his impressive growth, but also because the business he has nurtured has shown sustained global success. His mettle was tested when Moose faced a product recall that would have overcome less resilient and well-managed businesses. All of our finalists were worthy winners and demonstrated so many qualities that we were looking for, including an ability to respond to disruption. However, it was Manny who impressed us most across our diverse judging criteria.”

Manny Stul, Chairman and Co-CEO, Moose Enterprise, says:

“I’m honored and delighted to receive this prestigious award for Moose, our employees and for Australia. I was up against an amazing group of entrepreneurs and have been inspired by their stories. We are a company that succeeds by focusing on innovation with integrity and a clear purpose to make children happy. This has allowed us to grow exponentially, while overcoming huge challenges. I’d like to thank EY on behalf of all the entrepreneurs who competed this week.”

Bryan Pearce, EY Global Leader – EY Entrepreneur Of The Year, says:

“Manny won over the judges with his story of success from humble beginnings, and his ability to build a global consumer business that has been able to sustain its success over a 16-year period in a very competitive industry. His focus on giving back through the Moose Foundation is also impressive and an increasingly important aspect for so many of our entrepreneurs who compete for this title each year.”

Mark Weinberger, EY Global Chairman and CEO, says:

“Moose Enterprise has a very clear purpose at its heart that has guided the company’s outstanding growth. It’s the ability to combine this purpose with innovation, integrity, determination and grit that makes Manny a truly worthy EY World Entrepreneur Of The Year winner.”

About the judging panel

The independent judging panel was chaired by Rebecca MacDonald of Just Energy Group (Canada). Joining her were:

• Rosario Bazán of DanPer (Peru)
• Ivan Epstein of Sage International (South Africa)
• Jim Nixon of Sandvik Venture (US)
• Lance Uggla of Markit (UK)
• Dr. Kar Wong of The Advanced Group of Companies (Singapore)
• Michael Wu of Hong Kong Maxim’s Group (China)

Broadcast coverage, an interview with the winner and high-resolution photography will be available to download for broadcast and online use at: https://broadcast.ey.com/stories/9832

Event photography is available at www.ey.com/weoy/eventphotos