Licensing International Announces 2023 Hall of Fame Inductees

Licensing International has announced its 2023 Hall of Fame inductees: Pam Kaufman, chief executive officer, president, international markets, global consumer products and experiences, Paramount Global; Cindy Levitt, most recently with retailer, Hot Topic and Carole Postal, president, Spotlight Licensing & Brand Management. 

As leaders in the industry, it is fitting that this celebration of Kaufman, Levitt and Postal’s accomplishments will also act as a fundraiser for Licensing International’s scholarship program. The program grants scholarships to deserving individuals worldwide interested in a brand licensing career. With a focus on diversity and inclusion, the scholarship program is a crucial element of Licensing International’s ongoing work to support the next generation of licensing professionals and ensure the industry continues to grow and evolve. 

Pam Kaufman leads the consumer products and experiences business for Paramount Global, representing more than $6 billion in worldwide retail revenue from a diverse slate of franchises, brands and content, including “PAW Patrol,” “SpongeBob SquarePants,” “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles,” “Star Trek,” “South Park,” “Yellowstone” and “Top Gun,” among others. In addition, Kaufman’s purview includes gaming and themed entertainment, such as hotels, resorts, live tours, Broadway and VidCon. Kaufman is also responsible for leading the continued globalization of Paramount’s operations, driving the growth of the company’s international business, including the expansive streaming portfolio, which encompasses Paramount+, free-to-air, cable networks and the Paramount Television International Studios. Kaufman is a member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Foundation’s board of directors and Stella McCartney. A passionate advocate for women and families, she is also on the Pace Women’s Justice Center board.  

Levitt is nationally recognized for her expertise in trend retail and developing novel licensing programs for the teen and young adult market. Best known for her more than two decades of work with retailer, Hot Topic, Levitt recently retired as senior vice president, licensing, Mad Engine. Levitt is an avid supporter of Delivering Good, which provides merchandise to people in crisis and is passionate about mentoring individuals entering the licensing industry.   

Postal is an industry luminary with a career built on trend licensing acumen and retail expertise. She launched her agency in 1997 as CopCorp. In 2017, Postal’s agency was renamed Spotlight in recognition of its focus on developing successful branding and licensing programs for entertainment and non-traditional properties. In her professional career and through philanthropic activities, Postal has focused on bringing together (and bringing attention to) female leaders in business, entertainment and philanthropy.

These licensing icons will be honored at the 2023 Hall of Fame and Rising Star Awards event in New York City on December 6. Taking place at Gotham Hall, the event will also spotlight rising talent currently making strides in the licensing industry. 

The Rising Star program recognizes young professionals from around the world who have been nominated by their peers for their passion for and contributions to the global brand licensing industry. The 2023 Rising Star recipients will be announced later this year. 

“We have so much to celebrate at this year’s Licensing International Hall of Fame and Rising Star Awards,” says Maura Regan, president, Licensing International. “In addition to honoring these three industry veterans, who have contributed so much not only to our industry but also to our community, we also can highlight gifted newcomers. This industry is full of talent, and I am so inspired by the innovation that constantly moves our business forward. I can’t wait to see what Pam, Cindy and Carole do next.”