Licensing International 2023 Hall of Fame Inducts Three

Licensing International and the Licensing International Foundation, which supports the education of future licensing leaders, inducted three licensing industry vets to the Licensing International Hall of Fame.  

Held at Gotham Hall in New York City and hosted by CBS Saturday Morning co-host, Dana Jacobson, the 2023 Hall of Fame Induction and Rising Star Awards event also honored the future of brand licensing, recognized Rising Stars in the licensing business and celebrated the 2023 Licensing International Foundation scholarship recipients.   

Pam Kaufman, president and chief executive officer, international markets, global consumer products and experiences, Paramount, represents over $6 billion in worldwide retail revenue from its franchises, brands and content, including “PAW Patrol,” “SpongeBob SquarePants,” “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles,” “Star Trek,” “South Park,” “Yellowstone” and “Top Gun.” Kaufman’s purview also includes gaming and themed entertainment, such as hotels, resorts, live tours, Broadway and VidCon. A passionate advocate for women and families, she serves on the board of the Pace Women’s Justice Center. 

“It is an honor to receive this distinction from Licensing International,” says Kaufman. “I am immensely proud to work on the most iconic brands and characters, with the best team and partners, reaching fans in countries and cultures around the world.” 

Kaufman was presented by Marva Smalls, executive vice president, global head, Inclusion Paramount and executive vice president, public affairs, Nickelodeon. 

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

“I am thrilled to be recognized as a member of the Licensing International Hall of Fame,” says Levitt. “Brand licensing brings fans and consumers closer to the properties they love; I am proud to be a part of this incredible industry and nurture its future growth.” 

Levitt was presented by Ed La Bay, executive vice president, merchandise, marketing, licensing, product development and design, Hot Topic. 
Carole Postal’s career is built on trend-licensing acumen and retail expertise. She launched her agency in 1997, then known as CopCorp and in 2017 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. 

“It is a great privilege to receive this prestigious distinction,” says Postal. “Throughout my career and in my work at Spotlight Licensing & Brand Management, I have touched many brands to deliver unique licensing programs and look forward to continuing this growth with the support of our partners and colleagues in the industry.” 

Postal was presented by Gareth Neame, chief executive officer, Carnival Films and executive producer, “Downton Abbey.” 

“The impact Pam, Cindy and Carole have had on the global brand licensing industry cannot be overstated,” says Maura Regan, president, Licensing International. “I am thrilled to see them join Licensing International’s Hall of Fame. In addition to being trailblazers in our industry, they are also leaders in our community. I know they will continue to fight to grow the licensing industry in every way that matters and it’s fitting that this celebration also spotlights the next generation of licensing professionals through the Rising Star Awards.” 

In addition to honoring Kaufman, Levitt and Postal, the 2023 Hall of Fame event recognized Rebecca Barlow, Alex Locke, Ololade Oloniyo, Leigh Simpson, Jeremy Smith, and Fernanda Zimbrón – six people making strides in the licensing industry with the 2023 Rising Star Award. For more than a decade, the Rising Star program has recognized young professionals from around the world who have been nominated by their peers and selected by the Rising Star committee members for their contributions to the global brand licensing industry.  

Nine students (Evelynn Chang, Ayana Dailey, Laura Fekete, Candace Gaston, Nirahja Logan, Carol Oviedo Gonzalez, Laura Romero, Claudia Ruiz and Pablo Ruiz Crespo) were celebrated as the recipients of the Licensing International Foundation 2023 Scholarship, awarded to accomplished students exploring a career in brand licensing.  

Established in 1989, the Licensing International Hall of Fame is home to the most esteemed global licensing executives of the last three decades. Inductees are selected by a committee of industry executives based on nominations received from the global licensing community at large; the Licensing International Board of Directors reviews all recommendations before making a final selection. Past inductees include Kathy Ireland, Martha Stewart, George Lucas, Walt Disney and Charles Schultz.   

Licensing International thanked event donors, including sponsors Hot Topic, Paramount Consumer Products & Experiences and Playmates Toys.  

Nominations for the 2024 Hall of Fame are now open.