BBC Studios is building up its licensing division in the UK and the EMEA region by adding licensing veterans Gaby Dior and Louise Rigby to its team.
The new executives are tasked with managing the BBC’s current portfolio of licensing partnerships, including popular properties like Doctor Who, Bluey, and BBC Earth, and also with identifying new licensing opportunities. Dior will be overseeing operations in the EMEA region, while Rigby will be focused on the UK market. They will report to Rickesh Desai, BBC Studio’s licensing director for merchandise, partnerships and interactive.
Dior comes to the BBC with more than 15 years of experience working in consumer product licensing, and previously managed licensing programs for WildBrain CPLG and Zodiak Rights (now operating under the name Banijay Rights). Louise Rigby joins the BBC after working with Fashion UK & Global Licensing, bringing over 12 years’ experience in licensing.
“Louise and Gaby bring a wealth of experience and creativity from the brand and licensing world,” commented Rikesh. “They have worked with some of the most popular brands and I’m thrilled they’re joining us at an exciting time to provide our fans with more opportunities to interact with their beloved programmes and characters in new and exciting ways.”
She commented: “I’m so pleased to be joining BBC Studios at such an exciting time, when the consumer products team is supporting the success and significant growth of preschool properties like Hey Duggee and Bluey. I’ve also seen their dedication to supporting partners with sustainable, ethical and environmentally friendly manufacturing which is an amazing thing to be part of.”
Gaby has over 15 years’ experience working in licensing and consumer products and has previously managed licensing programmes across EMEA for Wildbrain CPLG, and internationally for Zodiak Rights (now Banijay Rights).
She added: “I am thrilled to be joining the team at BBC Studios, home to the very best of British creative content. Tapping into my experience across the European markets, I am looking forward to developing and growing the footprint of the licensing business for the new and award-winning preschool brand Bluey and the wider portfolio of existing and trusted brands across the EMEA region.”