The Licensing Letter

News & Trends

Who’s News

Lisa Streff is promoted to EVP Global Licensing of Epic Rights, where she will oversee worldwide licensing, merchandising and retail development for Epic’s music brands. Ted Curtin becomes Chief Marketing & Business Development Officer for LMCA. He previously was EVP for experiential and sports marketing agency Synergy Events. Universal Pictures names three new brand … [Read more...] about Who’s News

Who’s News

Former Beanstalk exec Suzanne Jacober becomes director of business development for content marketing agency McMurry/TMG and will focus on identifying Fortune 1000 brands ripe for leveraging.Margaret Loesch replaces Jeff Weiss on the board of directors of Genius Brands International. Weiss is stepping down as president and chief operating officer of American Greeting but staying … [Read more...] about Who’s News

Who’s News

Ron Garfield is leaving Sony Pictures Television to become the executive vice president and general manager of FremantleMedia North America’s new Buzzr TV digital network, which is scheduled to launch in 17 markets this summer.Anna Kislevitz is appointed Senior Manager Licensing and Merchandising for 41 Entertainment where she will work with key brands like Classic PAC-Man plus … [Read more...] about Who’s News

Average Royalty Rates in U.S. & Canada Steady for Decade; Entertainment Fees Climb, Guarantees & Advances Flat

Royalties on licensed retail goods in U.S. and Canada in 2014 represented the picture of longterm stability, capping a decade-long trend of little to no movement. The average royalty in 2014 was 8.68%, compared to 8.67% in 2013, a change of just 0.01%. Since 2005, the average royalty rate across property types and product categories has been in the 8.6% to 8.8% range. More … [Read more...] about Average Royalty Rates in U.S. & Canada Steady for Decade; Entertainment Fees Climb, Guarantees & Advances Flat

Who’s News

Anne Globe is the new chief marketing officer for Skydance Productions and will head up marketing, publicity, licensing and promotion of the five-year-old companies brands including 2015 releases “Terminator: Genisys” and “Mission: Impossible 5.”Brand Central promotes two key employees: Jodi Bogdanoff to vice president of licensing responsible for overseeing the agency’s food … [Read more...] about Who’s News

Restaurants Put Licensing on Menu

A number of restaurant companies have brought in new executives to expand licensing revenues. Examples: Johnny Rockets promoted James Walker to President Development & Operations to grow the Johnny Rockets at Home business, which licenses the brand for consumer products. At Focus Brands, Cinnabon President Kat Cole was promoted to Group President of the parent company with a … [Read more...] about Restaurants Put Licensing on Menu

Toy Fair 2015: New Toys Promote Engagement and Smart Play; Big Licensors Dominate the Licensing Action

The static, one-size-fits-all toy of the past won't do; today's toys need to be dynamic, adaptable, and suitable for creative play. Accordingly, user engagement, smart play and interactivity were the primary themes of the new products on display at this year's New York Toy Fair, including licensed toys. There were 3 variations on these themes. 1. Build-Your-Own Like last year, … [Read more...] about Toy Fair 2015: New Toys Promote Engagement and Smart Play; Big Licensors Dominate the Licensing Action

Who’s News

Bob Chapek, a 22-year Disney veteran, is moving from President of Disney Consumer Products to Chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, effective immediately. While DCP has yet to name a successor, insiders believe that current executive VP of global licensing has the inside track. Kim Marie Song has been hired as National Strategic Sales Manager of MAC Group and will focus … [Read more...] about Who’s News

Who’s News

Jason Rice is leaving Turner Broadcasting Systems where he served as licensing director for Cartoon Network to become the director of brand licensing for SEGA Europe. He will work with SEGA Europe’s newly hired marketing director Jon Rooke to grow the company’s licensing portfolio. Elliot Lederman is the new Vice President, Retail Development for CPLG North America. His … [Read more...] about Who’s News

Who’s News

Cheryl Stoebenau, President of CAS Marketing, is elected to the LIMA Licensing Hall of Fame in recognition of her sustained excellence as a licensing agent and charitable work for children. Richard Dickson is promoted to president and chief brands officer of Mattel. In addition to continuing to oversee marketing of core Mattel and Fisher-Price properties, he will be … [Read more...] about Who’s News