2025 Hall of Fame Inductee

 

SUSAN BRANDT, President & CEO, Dr. Seuss Enterprises LP

Since 1998, Susan Brandt has directed the worldwide operations of Dr. Seuss Enterprises, L.P.  Dr. Seuss Enterprises is the global children’s entertainment brand that owns and manages the intellectual property of Theodor Seuss Geisel.  Under her leadership, the Dr. Seuss brand has expanded from books to include films, television, podcasts, stage productions, theme parks, experiences, cruise ships, digital games, museum exhibitions, licensed products and more, all while maintaining the integrity of the beloved stories and characters Ted Geisel created.

Brandt’s expertise runs across entertainment, media, publishing, digital, retail, and consumer goods businesses as she manages Dr. Seuss’s multibillion-dollar global franchises.  Brandt has brokered strategic deals that have not only continued to grow revenues and drive awareness, but have also ensured the property continues to remain at the center of the cultural zeitgeist. Some of her career-defining deals for the portfolio include a three part movie deal with Warner Animation Group, a three-preschool show deal with Netflix, a 10 year Seuss At Sea program with Carnival Cruise lines, the Dr. Seuss Museum in Springfield, MA, a multi property podcast deal with Wondery, as well as conceiving the idea for the highly successful traveling exhibition, the Dr. Seuss Experience, with Kilburne Live.

Under Brandt’s management, Dr. Seuss has strategically and dramatically grown its consumer products business expanding the brand with new franchises, product categories, and retail channels all while maintaining the brand’s position as a national treasure.  Brandt has extensive global experience, particularly in opening new markets as she has spearheaded Dr. Seuss’s expansion into China, Europe, South East Asia, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, Mexico, and Canada.

Brandt has been quoted in numerous trade, business, general market publications, and podcasts including Vanity Fair, Forbes, Fast Company and San Diego Magazine and has also made numerous on camera appearances to discuss the ongoing efforts of Dr. Seuss Enterprises.

Prior to joining Dr. Seuss Enterprises, Brandt was Vice President of home entertainment at 20th Century Fox Film Corporation where, working with the President, she launched the international video division and then ran the Asia Pacific region while working and living in Hong Kong.  She was part of the management team that opened the Miraval Resort in Tucson, Arizona where she then served as Director of Marketing and Sales.  While at the E. & J. Gallo Winery, Brandt launched Gallo’s first entry into the fine wine business by introducing the Gallo of Sonoma varietal wine brand and the Estate fine wine program.

Brandt is currently an Officer on the Geisel Seuss Enterprises Board of Directors and has previously held Board positions on the San Diego Don Diego Scholarship Foundation, the First Book Advisory Board, and the Nativity School Board (as President and Chair).  She was also the recipient of the 2019 Advanced Imaging Society top 10 women in technology award.

Brandt graduated with a BA degree from the University of Notre Dame and holds a Master’s of Management degree from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management.  She currently resides in Del Mar, California with her family.