Horst Brandstätter

Horst Brandstätter was born on June 27, 1933, in Zirndorf, Germany. He lost his father when he was seven years old and was told by his mother that he would eventually take his father's place in the family toy company at the age of 21. Before joining the business, Brandstätter trained as an apprentice in a mold and die manufacturing company, at his mother's request.

Brandstätter joined the family firm in 1952 at the age of 19. At the time, the company was run by his two uncles. From his early years working at the company, Brandstätter realised that the working methods were outdated and worked to modernise it. His conviction that the company needed to move with the times resulted in success, with the production of hula hoops in 1958, which became a European success.

By the age of 78, Brandstätter had been voted Manager of the Year in 2009, was bearer of the German Federal Cross of Merit and honorary citizen of the city of Zirndorf.