Licensing International Excellence Awards Hosts Announced

Licensing International has announced industry veterans, George Leon and Maca Rotter, will host the 2023 Licensing International Excellence Awards, held before Day 1 of Licensing Expo. 

The pair will take center stage, microphones in hand, on June 12 at 6 p.m. at the HyperX Arena Las Vegas at the Luxor Hotel & Casino. This marks the first time the Excellence Awards have been held at this flagship venue. 

Leon founded California-based Cakewalk Entertainment in 2017. He spent 16 years at Sony Pictures Entertainment, most recently serving as executive vice president, consumer marketing, global branded entertainment, licensing and product placement. Leon has also worked with the teams at Saban Entertainment and Camelot Licensing. 

“I am beyond excited to be back as host of the Licensing International Excellence Awards and to be joined by the amazing Maca Rotter,” says Leon. “I can’t wait to celebrate this year’s winners and pay tribute to the wonderful work being done by our global community.” 

Rotter is the president and chief executive officer of La Panaderia Licensing and Marketing, which she founded in 2016. She previously served as executive director, Televisa Consumer Products and has also lent her experience and expertise to the teams at BouncyNet and the Mexican Brand Licensing Association (PROMARCA).  

“I am thrilled to join George as a co-host of the Licensing International Excellence Awards and honor the incredible nominees,” says Rotter. “This past year has seen some fantastic products and partnerships, and I can’t wait to shine a spotlight on our industry’s hard work.” 

Registration for the 2023 Excellence Awards will open on April 25 for nominees and on May 8 for all attendees. Licensing Expo will take place June 13-15 at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center, and registration is available online.