Hylton Bannon

Managing Director, Toy Kingdom

Hylton Bannon is the Managing Director of Toy Kingdom and Build A Bear Workshop, South Africa’s leading specialty toy retailer. With over 20 years of executive experience across retail and international trade, he brings strategic focus and a strong belief in the emotional power of retail. After beginning his career in finance, he moved into executive roles across South Africa, Africa and Europe, building brands that prioritise connection over transaction. He holds postgraduate qualifications in digital transformation and executive coaching and is passionate about developing emerging leaders. A firm advocate for immersive retail, Hylton believes great retail evokes heartfelt connection, nostalgia and lasting memories. In an AI-driven world, he champions the enduring value of physical play as a vital source of creativity, joy and meaningful human connection.