Best of License Global Entertainment Interviews in 2023

In June, Josh Simon, vice president, consumer products, Netflix, spoke about how Netflix is creating the next big thing in products, while prioritizing its customer-first approach.

Alex Gomez, senior director, licensing and partnerships, SEGA, talked about how SEGA continues making moves for its biggest properties.

Josh Silverman, chief franchise officer, global head of consumer products, Mattel, shared how the legendary toy company charts a course from nostalgia to new horizons.

The Pink Panther turned 60, and he’s as hot as ever, according to Robert Marick, head, MGM consumer products, MGM.

Joan Grasso, head, consumer products, the Americas, Moonbug Entertainment, spoke about her career in licensing and some of Moonbug’s core IPs.

Jennifer Dodge, president, entertainment, Spin Master, discussed some of its biggest up-and-coming ventures, including “Rubble & Crew,” the “PAW Patrol” spinoff and “Unicorn Academy.”

Kim Boyd, head, global brands and consumer innovation, Hasbro, and Casey Collins, president, licensed consumer products, Hasbro, detailed how consumer products will play a role in the company’s next chapter.

Warren Schorr, senior vice president, business development, global licensing and experiences, Crayola, explained how Crayola approaches and promotes creativity and emotional intelligence through licensing.

Read the June issue of License Global.

In September, Alice Bernardi, director, international brand licensing, Banijay Brands, shared how the company is celebrating two series standouts while preparing for the return of fan favorites.

Thomas Merrington, creative director, Penguin Ventures, told License Global how Penguin Ventures translates its classic properties into location-based experiences and licensed products.

Simon Philips, president, Falcon’s Beyond, discussed why, for Falcon’s Beyond, creating an IP and bringing it to life means going into the unknown.

Damian Treece, senior licensing manager, and Keith Taperell, vice president, global brand partnerships and energy marketing, both of Bravado, discussed the trends in music licensing and the importance of authenticity in licensing.

Peter van Roden, senior vice president, Warner Bros., shared how Harry Potter is the ultimate example of an IP translated perfectly for location-based experiences.

Andrew Carley, director, global licensing, BBC Studios, explained how BBC Studios has taken its icon status into the world of licensed consumer products and location-based experiences.

Jeremy Zag, founder, chief executive officer, ZAG, spoke with License Global about ZAG’s flagship brand, Miraculous, what’s next for the franchise and other future plans.

Our special report examined how location-based experiences are rocking the licensed consumer product industry and causing experiential excitement among consumers.

Read the September/October issue of License Global.

In December, we spoke with Virginia Reneau, senior vice president, global licensing, JAKKS Pacific, about how the toy company has signed deals to distribute toys for the upcoming “Sonic the Hedgehog” film, “The Super Mario Bros. Movie” and “The Little Mermaid.”

We also discussed how Toei Animation is preparing for a significant milestone with “One Piece” and more in 2024 with Lisa Yamatoya, senior director, global marketing, Toei Animation.

And Gabriela Arenas, senior vice president, global consumer products, Sesame Workshop, explained how Sesame Workshop exemplifies what it means to evolve in an ever-changing world while staying true to its core values.

Read December’s issue of License Global.

Read more entertainment brand licensing news.