Dr. Seuss Enterprises Promotes Two

Dr. Seuss Enterprises has announced the promotion of Nicole Gates to vice president, legal, and the hiring of Mike Lancaster as corporate counsel. 

Gates, who previously held the role of senior corporate counsel, will manage the growing Dr. Seuss Enterprises legal team and, as a member of the executive leadership team, will provide strategic guidance on major corporate initiatives and a variety of operational matters. Lancaster will advise on various commercial contract matters and counsel on day-to-day legal issues arising from strategic partnerships, promotional marketing initiatives and vendor relationships.

Gates will report directly to Susan Brandt, chief executive officer, president, Dr. Seuss Enterprises, and will oversee all legal matters relating to the company’s global portfolio, including the iconic Dr. Seuss books, films, television programs, stage productions, exhibitions, digital media, licensed merchandise and other partnerships. Gates will also administer global trademark and copyright portfolios, which include strategic filing projects, trademark maintenance, and intellectual property conflicts. Lancaster will report directly to Gates and focus on drafting and negotiating licensing contracts with retailers, media and entertainment companies, publishers, and content creators.

“I am so grateful to start the year off in this new role on the Dr. Seuss Enterprises team,” says Gates. “I look forward to deepening and expanding all aspects of the licensing business that promotes and protects the beloved and iconic property.”

“I’m eager to join the Dr. Seuss Enterprises team and incorporate my broad experience into the incredible work this well-regarded property is doing,” says Lancaster.

“I’ve had the pleasure of working alongside Nicole for over five years now, and I cannot overstate what an incredible asset she is to Dr. Seuss Enterprises’ executive team as well as to the company as a whole,” says Brandt, “Additionally, Mike’s years of industry experience will make him a valuable addition to the team. As the legal department develops, so does the Dr. Seuss brand’s strength and impact across the globe.”

Before joining Dr. Seuss Enterprises, Gates held positions at global law firms in San Diego and Los Angeles. Gates earned her bachelor’s degree at the University of Virginia and her J.D. from USC Gould School of Law. Lancaster previously worked in the Los Angeles office of an international law firm, where he focused his practice on corporate and complex commercial financing transactions. Lancaster earned a J.D. from UCLA School of Law and is a veteran of the United States Navy.