In need of help with your international toy or stationery sales? Book a call https://meetings.hubspot.com/thierry-bourret
Did you know that I have been on TV?

Yes, I appeared on a program called Blind Date in 1989 on British ITV. Unfortunately, I lost the VCR tape…. Or at least I claim I have.

Being born an entrepreneur, I started my first business at the tender age of 20. Running a bar in a small market town in France. This town was too small for me, so I moved to UK to learn English in 1986 for 6 months. Not been back to live in France since…

I have lived in UK, Aruba, Japan, Hong Kong and now Thailand. My English has improved as well.

I have been truly fortunate to be the right guy at the right place at the right time. My life took me from qualified chef to owner of my own toy distribution company in UK called Asobi.

I started Asobi without any knowledge of the toy industry in 2009 after a remarkably successful 10 years working for Hitachi. Starting for the Japanese giant as a Temp in the pricing department of the electronic components group, ending up as European Operations Manager for the aircon group with a sales budget of €240M with offices all around Europe.

During my tenure at Asobi, I built the business to £2.4M turnover. I am particularly proud to have started the Slow Toy Movement Awards. The awards were given to smaller toy companies who used less plastic and are more sustainable but still great toys to play with.
Over the years, the awards ceremony took place at Selfridges, Harrods and John Lewis. Large retailers who recognised the importance of sustainability way before it was fashionable.

I left Asobi in December 2014. A boardroom coup cost me the company I founded.

I bounced back immediately by founding Konomocha in Hong Kong in January 2015 to work as Business Developer for toy companies.

I am based in Bangkok with my family where my life partner runs a fashion jewellery company. Her business is based at Chatuchak Market which is only open at weekends. I am the teaboy and run errands between the shops, carrying stock, etc...

When I am not working on toys or being the tea boy, I can be found reading or yelling at the TV when rugby is on