Universal Partnerships & Licensing is broadening its oversight to include consumer products for the NBC network and Sprout globally.  

Led by UP&L president Stephanie Sperber, the division currently oversees worldwide consumer products, digital games licensing, retail and film promotions for Universal Pictures.  

The expansion is part of an effort to centralize consumer products and licensing efforts across NBCUniversal and leverage the organization to take advantage of the increased business brought on by the recent success of the Despicable Me 2 licensing and gaming programs. 

In addition to its slate of Universal films and library titles, UP&L will now handle licensing opportunities for NBC properties such as The Biggest Loser, The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon and the new program lineup. The team will also manage all consumer products and licensing efforts for Sprout, now fully-owned by NBCUniversal. UP&L will focus on the growth of Sprout’s consumer products brand as the channel unveils its new, original children’s programming, and expands the reach of brand icon, Chica.

“Stephanie and her team have done a terrific job of maximizing opportunities for Universal brands,” says Jeff Shell, chairman, Universal Filmed Entertainment. “Unifying our consumer products efforts under UP&L will bring scale and impact with licensees and retailers to benefit all of our film and TV properties.