The Global Rising Star Awards recognizes the next generation of leaders around the world for their commitment, passion and contributions to their company and the licensing industry. Since 2012, Rising Stars are nominated each year from across the global brand licensing community. The 2024 Rising Stars will be recognized at the Hall of Fame Gala Luncheon on December 4, 2024 in New York City.
Nominations will open in May 2024
2023 Global Rising Stars
REBECCA BARLOW
Licensing Manager at Nelvana
Based in Canada
Rebecca started her licensing journey at The Walt Disney Company where she supported both the hardlines and softlines teams, eventually moving into managing her own softlines categories. Today, she is the Licensing Manager at Nelvana Enterprises/Corus Entertainment. Rebecca manages the softlines business and oversees the hardlines business across Nelvana’s iconic properties (like Babar, Max and Ruby, and more) as well as its agency brands (including Bluey, Barney, Care Bears, Thomas and Friends, Miraculous Ladybug, and Sesame Street) within Canada. She is on the YPN Canada committee and is excited to bring more attention to licensing in Canada.
ALEX LOCKE
General Counsel at VeeFriends and Founder & CEO at NFIP Holdings
Based in U.S.
Alex Locke is an attorney and entrepreneur. His specialties include IP strategy and transactions, product and service licensing, entertainment, sponsorships, strategic partnerships, branding, and emerging technology. Alex currently serves as General Counsel at VeeFriends, a contemporary entertainment company created by serial entrepreneur Gary Vaynerchuk, where he oversees all legal affairs and has worked on partnerships with the likes of Fanatics, Reebok, Mattel, and Crocs. Additionally, he serves as CEO and Founder of NFIP Holdings, LLC, the first international NFT intellectual property holding company. Its premier brand, Bored of Directors, has inked over 30 licensing agreements with products distributed in over 40 countries.
OLOLADE OLONIYO
CEO of IP Business Capital
Based in Nigeria.
Ololade is the CEO of IP Business Capital, a firm that specializes in providing comprehensive IP advisory, consulting, and valuation services to African entrepreneurs. The firm’s core focus is to assist creative entrepreneurs in identifying, protecting, licensing, and commercializing their innovations, fostering long-term corporate value. She recently led the team that launched the FUND Link, a licensing and investment portal for green tech entrepreneurs across Africa. The platform is specifically designed to connect green tech entrepreneurs with funders who are passionate about sustainable solutions. Through the platform, green tech entrepreneurs showcase their groundbreaking inventions to a global audience of potential buyers and licensees.
LEIGH SIMPSON
Licensing Manager at Arsenal F.C.
Based in U.K.
Leigh’s licensing career began when he joined Arsenal Football Club as Licensing Executive in 2018, having previously worked for Saracens Rugby in a business development role. Just over five years later, Leigh is responsible for managing Arsenal’s global cross-category licensing program and recently collected the Best Licensed Sports Property award on behalf of the club at the 2023 Licensing Awards. Leigh grew up a few minutes from Arsenal’s training ground and is most passionate about projects that bring international supporters closer to Arsenal, reinforcing the important role that licensing plays in connecting and engaging with the club’s communities around the world.
JEREMY SMITH
Head of Licensing for Casely
Based in U.S.
Jeremy is the Head of Licensing for tech accessory retailer Casely. His licensing career began in 2020 with the Grateful Dead, the first major collaboration for Casely. Since then, the company has worked with the likes of Crayola, Van Gogh Museum, Frida Kahlo Corporation, Pepsi, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, and The Beatles. Jeremy oversees contract negotiation, product development and approval, sales forecasting, and marketing content. He has a passion for sustainability and is proud of Casely’s efforts to be environmentally conscious and a carbon neutral company. He loves the licensing industry and the positive emotion and connection it creates with people around the world.
FERNANDA ZIMBRÓN
Brand Manager at La Panadería Licensing & Marketing
Based in Mexico.
Fernanda has been Brand Manager at La Panadería Licensing & Marketing since 2019. She first joined as part of the content and digital team, but a year later was offered a Brand Manager role. Since 2022, she has been Brand Manager of Hasbro’s CP portfolio of brands, which has given her the opportunity to work with beloved IPs like Peppa Pig, Transformers, My Little Pony, PJ Masks, and Play-Doh, allowing her to design and guide strategic programs of greater relevance and impact on the Mexican market. Working with Hasbro, Fernanda found a new passion in the Dungeons & Dragons brand and has become a regular player.
Rising Star Criteria
Age
35 years old and under
Experience
3-7 years of experience in licensing
Commitment
Demonstrates a commitment to and passion for the brand licensing industry
Development
Seeks additional professional development opportunities to improve skills
Innovative
Has shown innovation in their work
Leadership
Demonstrates leadership capabilities
Rising Star Benefits
Mentoring
One Year of Mentoring with a Seasoned Licensing Professional
Certification of Licensing Studies
Complimentary Access to the Certification of Licensing Studies Program (CLS)
Feature
Feature Article in Licensing International’s NewsLinks
Networking
Key Networking with Past Rising Star community and beyond
As a member of Rising Stars network of licensing professionals, recipients will enjoy:
Complimentary Access to the Certification of Licensing Studies Program
Feature Article in Licensing International’s NewsLinks
Year of Mentoring with a Seasoned Licensing Professional
Opportunity to Mentor Future Rising Stars