The global licensing community is powered by an incredible group of professionals whose diverse backgrounds and creative energy drive innovation and excellence. Each week we’re profiling one of these professionals in this ongoing series developed in partnership with MyMediaBox.

How did you get into licensing?
In my final year of college, I did a lot of networking in industries that appealed to me. I’m very fortunate that I have a cousin, Scott Shillet, who has worked in licensing for several years. He described the business to me and a lightbulb sort of went off in that this is the direction that I’d like my career to take. It led me to my position at King Features and I’ve enjoyed being in this industry ever since.

What’s your biggest personal and professional accomplishment?
With my role in managing product development, it’s really gratifying being a steward of our brands for all of our collaborations. I enjoy working with our partners around the world, helping to find ways for our characters to best resonate, especially across different territories and within various cultures, and I’d like to acknowledge the work from my team at King Features as it’s a combined effort in getting these collaborations off the ground.
It’s difficult to pick one collaboration, but I’m very proud of the Popeye 90th Anniversary Art Exhibition in Beijing that I developed with Yoho! and Medialink. The exhibit showcased over 100 pieces of unique Popeye art by 50 artists from 12 countries and it was all topped off with an 8-meter sailboat with Popeye’s pipe extending out from the bow. The final exhibition looked amazing and it won the 2020 China Licensing Awards for Location-Based/Experiential Initiative of the year.

What are the most significant trends or changes that you’ve seen in the business in recent years?
Two of the more significant trends that I’ve noticed are the growing importance of ecommerce, especially during COVID-19, and securing partnerships that are eco-friendly and socially conscious.
Engaging in eco-friendly practices and campaigns responds to both our responsibility and the rising demand for products that help reduce our carbon footprint. We’ve especially taken that to heart at King Features with the recent launch of the partnership between Popeye and The SeaCleaners through MJA Licensing. This alliance emphasizes the strong values of the two brands, with Popeye helping to expand The SeaCleaners’ education of eliminating plastic pollution through marketing initiatives and co-branded products that will see a portion of its proceeds benefit The SeaCleaners’ mission.

What keeps you up at night? OR What’s your biggest challenge these days?
My biggest challenge is ensuring that partners understand the current positioning of our characters so that our brand presence is consistent across the globe. Since we have many classic brands that originated decades, or in some cases over a century, ago it’s important for me to clearly convey the current messaging in how we portray the brands today in order for us to continue their success.
When I started a few years ago, the presentation of our brands was not as clear as it could’ve been in regard to their packaging. Over time, I worked with all of our partners to use our current logos and marks in order to streamline and strengthen the equity of our brands.  Also, a huge help in tackling this challenge is my work with Beth Nock, our Brand Marketing Director, who consistently develops new style guides of our characters so that our partners have fresh art assets to use.

What is the best piece of advice you ever received? OR What is your favorite quote?
“Crank the diesel”. In college, a coworker would always yell that quote to get everyone excited for work. His consistency and energy in belting that quote whether it was 6am or 10pm has left an indelible mark.
I also appreciate the quote that Carla Silva, VP and Global Head of Licensing at King Features, will say in our team meetings “where focus goes, energy flows”. Hearing it helps bring a comforting perspective when work and life get overwhelming.

What is your favorite licensing deal of all time? (doesn’t have to be one that was signed by you)
Scooby Snacks would be high up on my list. I still buy boxes of the Scooby-Doo fruit snacks and graham cracker sticks by Betty Crocker and Keebler.
Also, as a big fan of themed foods at restaurants, I’ve loved the recent collaborations between IHOP and The Addams Family and The Grinch. Who doesn’t want green pancakes?

The last licensed product I bought was…
I bought a Halloween mask of Davy Jones from Disney’s Pirates of the Caribbean. While last year I was too late for Halloween, the mask has made a nice addition to my apartment.

THE 2021 PEOPLE PROFILE SERIES IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY MYMEDIABOX
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