Rising Star People Profile: Francesca D’Ugo, Manager of Retail Marketing at BBC Studios
The global licensing community is powered by an incredible group of professionals whose diverse backgrounds and creative energy drive innovation and excellence. We profile one of these professionals each week, and in this special edition of the People Profile series we are introducing one of the 2025 Rising Stars Award recipients to shine a spotlight on their success.
How did you get into licensing (or how did licensing find you)?
I’ve always loved the creative side of brand storytelling, which naturally led me toward licensing. When I joined BBC Studios, I quickly realized how powerful this industry is in connecting fans with the brands they love through products, experiences, and retail moments. Being part of a company with such a rich portfolio, from Bluey to Doctor Who, showed me how licensing can extend storytelling far beyond the screen and into everyday life.
What’s a “typical” day in your current position?
No two days are ever the same! After starting the day with a run or workout, I’m usually diving into calls with partners and retailers to brainstorm or review campaigns that will make our programs shine at retail. From there, it’s a mix of strategy sessions, analyzing digital performance, and collaborating with teams across BBC Studios and our partners around the globe. I also spend time creating assets for upcoming in-store or digital campaigns, reviewing and approving creative from partners, and planning new ways to bring our brands to life. It’s a fast-paced, collaborative environment where no day looks quite like the last, and that’s exactly what makes it so exciting!
What’s your biggest personal or professional accomplishment?
Professionally, I’m so proud to have helped grow Bluey into one of the most loved preschool brands at retail. Seeing Bluey featured in national retail campaigns and on shelves everywhere is a true career highlight. Personally, running the New York City and Rome marathons were major milestones for me. It taught me resilience, focus, and how to stay motivated through every challenge (skills that come in handy in licensing too!).
What are the most significant trends or changes that you’ve seen in the business in recent years?
Retail and entertainment have become more connected than ever. Fans want immersive, story-driven experiences, whether it’s a pop-up event, a scavenger hunt, or discovering themed products online. The most successful licensing programs today go beyond just products—they create emotional connections, spark fandoms, and bring moments of joy into people’s lives.
What keeps you up at night? What’s your biggest challenge these days?
The challenge (and opportunity) is keeping fan engagement innovative and fresh. With so many incredible brands and trends out there, it’s about finding new, authentic ways to surprise fans while staying true to the heart of the brand and content. I’m always thinking about how to make every touchpoint—from digital to in-store—feel meaningful, intentional, and exciting.
In your opinion, what is the top skill every licensing executive should have in order to succeed?
Adaptability and collaboration. The landscape is constantly evolving with new platforms, new shopping behaviors, and new creative formats. Success comes from staying flexible, open-minded, and connected. Licensing is a team sport, and the best ideas come from collaboration across partners and retailers.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received, or what’s your favorite quote?
“Success is a journey, not a destination.” This quote reminds me to appreciate the process, including the collaboration, learning, and small wins along the way. In licensing, as in life, every project and partnership is a step forward, part of a larger story that continues to unfold. It’s about the lessons you gather and the people you meet along the way.
What is your favorite licensing deal of all time? (It doesn’t have to be one that was signed by you.)
One of my favorite licensing collaborations is Bluey x Bush’s Beans. It’s such a fun and unexpected partnership that perfectly captures Bluey’s playful, family-centered spirit while celebrating a classic household brand. The collaboration was true to content and a great example of how licensing can extend from content to storytelling that goes beyond products, into real family moments around the table.
If you weren’t in licensing, what would you be doing now?
If I weren’t in licensing, I’d still be in the media industry, helping to share inspiring content that connects with audiences globally.
The last licensed product I bought was…
A Hello Kitty t-shirt from UNIQLO in Japan!