Executives from Xilam, Disney, StudioCanal and more will help to expand the industry in France.

EUROPE–The French office of the International Licensing Industry Merchandisers’ Association has unveiled its executive staff, which will oversee its local operations.

The new appointments include Laurent Taieb, who will serve as chairman; as well as Marina Narishkin, director, TF1 Licences; Marie-Laure Marchand, senior vice president, global consumer products, Xilam; and Jerome Le Grand, general manager licensing, retail and e-commerce, The Walt Disney Company France, who will serve as vice-chairpersons. Meanwhile, Valérie Rolandez-Barrios, director, licenses and partnerships, StudioCanal, will serve as treasurer.

LIMA France will provide members with information and services including research, conferences and workshops; online training; networking opportunities; and exclusive savings on such tradeshows as Brand Licensing Europe and Licensing Expo. The Group will also work to promote licensing efforts within France as well as seek to encourage French companies to work more closely and foster dialogue with their international counterparts. The unit will also encourage the participation of young professionals in the field.

“France is the seventh largest licensing market in the world and an abundant source of creativity and innovation in our industry,” says Charles Riotto, president, LIMA. “As the global thought leaders for licensing, LIMA is committed to focusing both on established and emerging markets to elevate the industry and provide continuing opportunities for education and networking. We are thrilled to have such a dynamic team representing the industry in this important market.” 

LIMA France currently has 25 company members including Les Editions Albert René, Universal Consumer Products, StudioCanal, Mattel, TF1 Licences, Nickelodeon and The Walt Disney Company France.