After 14 years with CPLG, most recently as its chief executive officer, Katarina Dietrich has left the licensing agency. She will continue to act as a consultant for the business until the end of this year.  

"Obviously I am very sad to be going, but excited to have time to explore new ideas," says Dietrich. "The last 14 years have been the most rewarding of my career and I have enjoyed every single moment. I thoroughly enjoyed working with the CPLG team and all business partners around the world, an experience I'm very thankful for and proud of. I wish the company and everyone who works there all the very best for the future."

Dietrich established the German office of CPLG in 1996 before moving to London in 2000 as managing director of entertainment for the group and becoming chief executive officer in 2008.

"We are all very sorry to see Katarina leave as she has been an important contributor to CPLG's success," says Michael Hirsch, Cookie Jar's chief executive officer. "Through her acquisition of new rights and nurturing business relationships, she has been instrumental to the continued growth of CPLG. Her passion for licensing has driven the CPLG team to leadership in Europe."

Dietrich's successor will be announced next week.