JOSH BEE
Senior Manager in the Contract Performance & Insight Advisory Group at KPMG LLP
Based in U.K.

Josh Bee specializes in delivering quality royalty, distributor, and licensing contract compliance reviews for his clients around the world. His clients span the full spectrum of licensing, from global film and media companies to world-leading fashion houses and top consumer brands.
Josh is deeply passionate about brand licensing. From an early age, he performed as a musician and has always had an interest in how brands and fandoms shape the way we live. He prides himself on being able to recover royalties for those developing value to be able to reinvest into bringing more joy to others. This passion is at the core of his work, and his enthusiasm to add value to the licensing industry is how he has been successful with his clients.

MARIE VAN BUGGENHOUT
Senior Licensing Manager Softlines, FMCG, Retail & Promotions at Peyo Company
Based in Belgium

Marie Van Buggenhout started as Licensing Manager for Softlines and she now leads a team managing FMCG, Retail, and Lifestyle while also keeping busy on the field spearheading the global expansion of the Smurfs’ presence in the fashion industry. On top of that, Marie is also responsible for several agents across the world, with a strong focus on Asia, ensuring the continued success of the Smurfs brand overseas. Marie oversees an impressive portfolio of 168 fashion licensees globally and has successfully negotiated prestigious collaborations with renowned brands such as Emporio Armani, Supreme, Puma, Dsquared2, Butter Goods, Aape, American Tourister, and Fenty. Looking ahead, Marie is preparing to unveil exclusive new projects, including a confidential collaboration with a leading K-pop group and a unique partnership with The British Museum.

FRANCESCA D’UGO
Manager of Retail Marketing at BBC Studios
Based in U.S.

Francesca D’Ugo leads retail marketing execution for the U.S. and Canada. Working across a portfolio of beloved brands, including Bluey, Doctor Who, and BBC Earth, Francesca develops and executes integrated retail marketing programs across mass, specialty, and digital channels. She has played a key role in expanding Bluey’s retail footprint across North America, driving partnerships with retailers such as Walmart, Target, Amazon, Macy’s, and FAO Schwarz. Her approach blends creativity, collaboration, and data-driven insights to deliver engaging fan experiences and measurable partner results. As an active member of the licensing community, Francesca regularly participates in industry events and webinars, deepening her passion for the business and commitment to driving the continued growth of BBC Studios’ brands across North America.

FERNANDA GARCIA
Licensing Manager at Dr. Seuss Enterprises
Based in U.S.

Over the past six years, Fernanda Garcia has immersed herself in the licensing world and, since joining the Dr. Seuss Enterprises team, she has been at the heart of bringing beloved characters to life through meaningful partnerships. As the Licensing Manager for the toys and hardlines and party and celebrations categories, Fernanda oversees a portfolio of over 30 licensees and has secured more than 20 new partnerships in under two years. With a bachelor’s degree in law, Fernanda began her career in the legal field, where she sharpened her skills in contract management, attention to detail, and cross-functional collaboration—all of which she now brings to her current role. She thrives on building strong partnerships and meaningful connections that drive brand growth.

DANTÉ JOHNSON
Manager of Product and Licensing at Fanatics
Based in U.S.

As a member of their Memorabilia and Collectible Products Team, Danté Johnson manages the daily operations of the creation, distribution, and reporting of officially licensed, authenticated autographed and unsigned memorabilia for Fanatics’ Major League Baseball business. Danté’s career began as a Coordinator, Brand Management at Beanstalk, where he contributed to the establishment of global licensing programs for The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Kellogg’s, and Atari. Next, while serving as Licensing Manager, Hard Goods at Major League Baseball Players Inc., he oversaw a diverse portfolio of over 50 licensees. With his active approach to business development, he negotiated new deals with partners, including Agoro (a.k.a. New Zealand Mint) and Ghostwrite.

TYLER JUBARD
Manager of Business Development at Octane5
Based in U.S.

Tyler Jubard’s journey into licensing began in 2021 when he joined Octane5 as a Sales & Marketing Intern. Upon joining the company full-time, he quickly progressed in business development roles of increasing responsibility across the entire portfolio of Octane5 brand compliance products and services. Today, as Business Development Manager, he leads the global rollout of Octane5’s innovative Licensee Express Automation Platform (LEAP), empowering licensees such as Fanatics, WinCraft, and Tervis to streamline design and product replication. His strategic vision and leadership have driven a 300% increase in client adoption and strengthened Octane5’s position as a technology leader in the licensing industry.

LISA KOBAYASHI
International Licensing Manager at Tact Communications, Inc.
Based in Japan

Since joining Tact Communications in 2018, Lisa Kobayashi has built strong relationships with global licensors, including Kikkoman, The Smiley Company, Hormel Foods, and Crayola. As the key liaison for Kikkoman, Lisa has worked with local sub-agents across Europe and Australia, coordinating licensing projects and strategy, and is now applying the same approach in North America. Beyond Kikkoman, she has strengthened Tact Communications’ IP portfolio by introducing new brands, including the Canadian game property Dead by Daylight and the Korean character brand MUZIK TIGER, and lead Crayola’s entry into the Japanese market. Her early career in deluxe hotel hospitality honed her communication and cross-cultural skills, which now serve her in building trusted partnerships. She continues to drive licensing programs and global IP expansion in Japan and worldwide.

ZOÉ MARTY
Senior Marketing Manager at STUDIOCANAL Kids & Family
Based in U.K.

Zoé Marty leads global brand and licensing marketing for the iconic Paddington franchise. Since joining the company in 2020, Zoé has played a key role in expanding Paddington’s international reach and reimagining how a heritage brand can connect with modern audiences. Paddington is one of the world’s most beloved characters, recognized for his timeless values of kindness, curiosity, and humor. Under SCKF, the brand continues to evolve through a cross-platform strategy that blends storytelling with creative innovation. Zoé has been instrumental in driving this vision forward through impactful collaborations, digital expansion, and experiential activations. Zoé’s specialties include international brand and licensing marketing across fashion, lifestyle, and gaming. She is passionate about building authentic collaborations and finding new ways for families to connect with characters they love.

TONIAN ORTEGA
Senior Brand Licensing Manager at The Joester Loria Group
Based in U.S.

Tonian Ortega leads licensing programs for Toyota and Constellation Beer Brands, including Corona Extra and Modelo Especial. She discovered her passion for consumer products at Warner Music Experience, working on projects like Hue—the signature fragrance of pop star Hayley Kiyoko—and Grateful Tea, the first officially licensed Grateful Dead loose-leaf tea with Love Some Tea. Over the course of her career, Tonian has played a key role in shaping high-impact collaborations and retail programs, specializing in products that balance strategic growth with authentic storytelling. Driven by creativity and cultural insight, she builds partnerships and experiences that resonate across lifestyle, entertainment, and retail.