New York, NY — Licensing International, the leading global trade association for the brand licensing industry, today announced the appointment of Petra Strobl as its new Managing Director (MD) for Germany, effective January 1, 2026.

Strobl transitions into this role having served as Head of Communications and Marketing for Licensing International Germany for the past two years, during which she worked closely with outgoing MD Ute Stauss to expand the association’s profile and operational footprint. Additionally, she brings deep expertise from her time at The Walt Disney Company, Serviceplan, McCann, VIVA TV, and RTL Radio.

Outgoing MD Ute Stauss is stepping down to take on a full-time role as SVP & General Manager DACH at Authentic Brands Group.

“We are thrilled to welcome Petra Strobl as our newest Managing Director,” said Maura Regan, President of Licensing International. “As a seasoned marketing and communications expert, she has elevated the association’s visibility in the past two years. And, moving forward, Petra’s strong industry relationships will be instrumental in our ongoing efforts to expand member offerings and drive strategic growth in this key market.”

Regan added, “We also want to extend our sincerest thanks to our outgoing MD Ute Stauss for her incredible work and wish her continued success in her new leadership role at Authentic Brands Group.”

Based in Munich, Petra Strobl will be responsible for overseeing the association’s activities in Germany. Her mandate includes maximizing local member value through enhanced networking formats, advanced educational programs, expansion into new industries and business areas, and the formation of strategic partnerships with relevant industry organizations.

“I am incredibly excited to build upon the successful foundation Ute and I have established at Licensing International Germany,” said Petra Strobl. “My focus will be on further developing and expanding our activities to offer our members the greatest possible competitive advantage. In these times of rapid change and uncertainty, it is crucial for our industry to collaborate and shape the future together. As the world’s fifth-largest licensing market, Germany plays a decisive role in the global licensing community, and there is still great potential for us to unlock.”

Strobl will work closely with outgoing German MD Ute Stauss to ensure a smooth transition.

“I look forward to collaborating with Petra as she takes on the role of German MD and am excited to continue to support the brand licensing community in the region in my new role at Authentic Brands Group,” said Stauss.

About Licensing International
Licensing International is the leading trade organization for the $369+ billion global brand licensing industry. Licensing International’s mission is to foster the growth and expansion of brand licensing around the world, raise the level of professionalism for licensing practitioners, and create greater awareness of the benefits of licensing to the business community at large. Founded in 1980, more than 1,200 Licensing International member companies in over 40 countries enjoy access to an array of benefits, including extensive educational programming and worldwide networking events. Visit www.LicensingInternational.org for more information.