Hearst Adds Global Chief Licensing Director

Hearst Magazines has named Steve Ross to the position of vice president, global chief licensing director, effective immediately.

In his new position, Ross will be responsible for the licensing of new consumer products initiatives, retail merchandising and e-commerce, brand migration including location-based and live events, and franchise development for Hearst’s portfolio of titles–including Cosmopolitan, Esquire, Harper’s Bazaar and Seventeen worldwide, as well as Car and Driver, Country Living, Elle, Good Housekeeping, House Beautiful, Marie Claire, Popular Mechanics, Road & Track, Town & Country, Veranda and Woman’s Day in the U.S.

Prior to his new position, Ross led Fox Networks Group’s sales solutions marketing efforts as head of brand integration. Previously, he held senior operating roles at News Corporation, Twentieth Century Fox Film Corp and Mattel, building global franchise brands and experiences for such brands as “The Simpsons,” Star Wars, Ice Age, Titanic, Hot Wheels, American Girl and Barbie.

Earlier in his career, Ross worked in publicity for the Los Angeles Dodgers and held leadership positions with marketing agencies Young & Rubicam/WCJ and the Interpublic Group.

“Steve is a highly-skilled licensing executive with impressive credentials for building strong brands by seamlessly extending them into products and experiences that deepen consumer connections,” says Kalajian Lagani, senior vice president/publishing director and chief revenue officer, Cosmopolitan and Seventeen. “I’m confident he will provide the expertise, leadership and vision required to further develop our foundation for brand equity and sustained growth.”