The Influentials Then and NowThe Influentials Then and Now

The Influentials report has been a part of License Global coverage since 2017. The Influentials started with themes: Women in Licensing, 40 Under 40, Disruptors and Agents of change. However, we changed the format in 2022 to open nominations to the licensing community. This year, we had more than 470 submissions – a License Global record – and the editors had the difficult task of whittling the submissions to nine recipients.  

In the seven years since introducing The Influentials, we wanted to reach out to past Influential recipients to check in with one question: What have you been up to since being named an Influential? The responses are nothing short of inspiring. 

Michael Almeida, Joester Loria Group (The Influentials 2018): Since being recognized in the License Global Influential report, I've continued to advance my career, drive innovation in the industry, and deliver meaningful results for JLG's clients' diverse portfolio of world-class brands, including Toyota, Pepsi, Cheetos, Corona, Modelo and Pop-Tarts. 

In 2023, I was promoted to managing director at JLG, where I led retail and brand strategy development.  This role also allows me to work closely with JLG's ultra-talented brand and creative teams to design and execute best-in-class collaborations and direct-to-retail partnerships that generate significant revenue and deliver tremendous earned media value for our clients.  

Related:The Influentials 2024

I've also been working closely with my colleagues at JLG to reestablish Miffy, the bunny illustrated by Dick Bruna, as a trend icon in partnership with several mall-based specialty retailers, including Urban Outfitters and Tilly's – 2025 and 2026 are going to be big for Miffy, so keep an eye out! We'll continue to bring Eric Carle's instantly recognizable children's book characters, including "The Very Hungry Caterpillar," into new products that kids and their parents love and adore. 

My excitement for the future of licensing is higher than ever. I remain committed to creating change in the industry by pushing the boundaries of brand partnerships and delivering compelling and dynamic licensed product programs that return exceptional results for JLG's clients. 

Michael Almeida, Joester Loria Group

Rikesh Desai, Netflix UK (The Influentals 2018): Being named a License Global Influential was a pivotal moment in my career, beginning a deeply enriching journey in the consumer products industry. This recognition fueled my passion for innovation and growth and opened doors to exciting opportunities that have shaped my professional path. 

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I feel incredibly fortunate to have been part of the team at BBC Studios that launched the "Bluey" preschool consumer products program. Collaborating with talented colleagues, we worked tirelessly to bring joy and imagination into children's lives worldwide through this beloved series. Our goal was to create products that resonated with families, enriching their experiences and creating lasting memories. 

Joining Netflix to lead the U.K. consumer products division in 2021 has been one of the most exciting chapters of my career. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to work with a global leader in entertainment, focusing on developing and expanding Netflix's brand presence through creative merchandise and strategic retail partnerships. This role has allowed me to merge my passion for storytelling with innovative product strategies that captivate audiences.  

Looking ahead, I am eager to seize new opportunities further to elevate Netflix's consumer product offerings and retail presence. I am excited to work alongside partners who share our passion for fueling fandom and creating unique, memorable experiences for audiences worldwide. 

Rikesh Desai, Netflix UK

Danielle Marder, Sweet Peas Co. (The Influentials 2022): Since being named License Global Influential for Jazwares' Squishmallows team, I have embarked on a new journey as owner and chief operating officer of Sweet Peas Co. with founder, Adriana Hummel. Now a powerhouse team of two moms on a mission to create premium buttery soft bamboo essentials for the whole family.  

We have been hyper-focused on brand building, category expansion, securing strategic licenses, and innovative mommy- marketing. The past year has brought us much success with sold-out collaborations, viral content, fan-first activations with Care Bears and Strawberry Shortcake and new Core drops, with many more to come.  

Partnership is key to our success, as "teamwork makes the dream work," we wouldn't be where we are today without our world-class partners supporting our mission. 2025 is looking bright with an action-packed pipeline and disruptive growth initiatives. Stay tuned for what's to come. 

Danielle Marder, Sweet Peas Co.

Gary Pope, Kids Industries (The Influentials 2022): Thank you for asking me what's happened since I was named an Influential. I'm not sure anyone cares, but there has been so much and it's hard to pin it down.   

We've continued building our business and operationalizing our internal learning and development program. I'm maybe most happy about that. Knowledge is everything to us, and as experts, we have to be top of the game. Always. 

The creative team built a very effective and wide-ranging global campaign for "Pokémon." We unpacked what the “Pokémon” Trading Card Game means and put together a 360 campaign that moved the needle considerably.  I am very proud of the work we've been doing for the global Happy Meal business –putting play at the heart of the offering along with our friends at TMS. 

But the thing that I've been most involved in, and the most significant shift in the licensing world, is the development of IP-based LBE and immersive entertainment. It's been a red thread throughout my career for the last 25 years, but at long last, it seems to be hitting the mainstream. I've been working with clients across the U.S. and Europe on developing their experiences and, frankly, loving every minute of it. 

I'm super chuffed with our charity work for Whizz-Kidz with Aardman last summer. We built out the first fully accessible art trail with over 70 giant Morphs dotted right around central London. It was a huge team effort. 

But perhaps most importantly, we moved our family to the seaside. And even when things get a bit tough and ropey, a walk in the brisk sea air. 

Gary Pope, Kids Industries

Helena Mansell-Sopher, Products of Change (The Influentials 2021): I was incredibly honored to be named an Influential just as we emerged from the global pandemic. At the time, our business was still in its infancy (only two years old). Back then, Products of Change had a membership of 70 businesses and had already hosted two Sustainability in Licensing Conferences. Fast forward to 2024, and our community has seen remarkable growth. We have 190 member businesses, with over 2,000 individuals actively engaging and learning through the POC platform.  

We've delivered more than 120 educational webinars, issued industry guidelines on packaging, legislation, and green claims, produced multiple white papers, developed an industry-wide sustainability framework in collaboration with major brands, retailers, and licensed manufacturers, and created a carbon methodology that is currently under review by the World Resources Institute. 

This year, we hosted our fifth Sustainability in Licensing Conference, where we highlighted the future of our industry and provided the tools and resources needed to ensure we are fit for the future. We've partnered with toy companies and the U.K. magazine publishing industry to launch a pioneering toy rehoming and recycling initiative at Tesco. 

In addition, we've launched a media division that has published five trade publications focused on sustainable development and established a consultancy arm to drive industry innovation further. We've even partnered with the United Nations to promote sustainable development within the industry. While we've achieved a great deal in a short amount of time, much more remains to be done to meet the 2030 global goals. 

Helena Mansell-Sopher, Products of Change

Check out the current crop of Influentials for 2024, here.