Former Myer chief executive Bernie Brookes has taken on arguably one of the toughest jobs in the Australian retail sector - turning around perennially underperforming toy wholesaler Funtastic.

Mr Brookes will take the chair of Funtastic, which owns brands such as Pillow Pets, Chill Factor and Floaties, at the end of this month from Shane Tanner, who is stepping down after ten years in the role.