The French office of the International Licensing Industry Merchandisers’ Association (LIMA) has named its executive staff to oversee local operations. Laurent Taieb will head up the office as Chairman. He will be joined by Vice Chairpersons Marina Narishkin, Director of TF1 Licences; Marie-Laure Marchand, SVP Global Consumer Products at Xilam; and Jerome Le Grand, General Manager Licensing, Retail and E-Commerce at The Walt Disney Company France. Valérie Rolandez-Barrios, Director of Licenses and Partnerships at StudioCanal will serve as Treasurer. Their focus will be to promote licensing in-country, drive awareness of the benefits of licensing as a business model, and encourage the participation of young professionals in the industry.

LIMA France will provide members with the wealth of information and services offered by the global Association – including research, conferences and workshops, online training, networking opportunities and exclusive savings on such tradeshows as Brand Licensing Europe (London) and Licensing Expo (Las Vegas) – as well as enabling French companies to work more closely and foster dialogue with their international counterparts, and creating opportunities for companies looking to do business in France.

“France is the seventh largest licensing market in the world and an abundant source of creativity and innovation in our industry,” said LIMA President Charles Riotto. “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.”

Added Taieb: “France is a strategic market for the licensing industry worldwide, with several hundred licences represented across toys, publishing, fashion, food, sport, luxury and more. Licensing reaches across businesses and industries, demonstrating relevance to all brands. Our role with LIMA as the premiere global association for the industry is to welcome all these players to France.”

More than 25 companies have already joined LIMA France, including Les Editions Albert René, Universal Consumer Products, StudioCanal, Mattel, TF1 Licences, Nickelodeon and The Walt Disney Company France. LIMA France is also focusing on relations with schools and students with a view to promoting the richness of licensing and opportunities in the sector.

For more information on LIMA France:
Celine Georges, Membership and PR
licensinglimafrance@gmail.com
Twitter @LIMAFrance
LinkedIn: LIMA France