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 profile one of these professionals in this ongoing series.

How did you get into licensing (or how did licensing find you)?
My professional past was in the ancillary rights segment for film and television. The two business areas are very close, so licensing ‘caught’ me almost by chance. I am pleased about this move and must say it is my right path.

What’s a “typical” day in your current position?
A typical day is a dynamic mix of creative negotiations, securing partnerships, and ensuring our licensed properties resonate in as many markets as possible while driving revenue growth. I thrive on collaborating with talent, brands, and editors to develop innovative strategies that amplify storytelling through licensing opportunities. My credo is balancing high-stakes negotiations and creative vision to ensure that every deal aligns with our brand values and unlocks long-term success in the licensing industry.

What’s your biggest personal or professional accomplishment?
I can’t yet talk about my most significant accomplishment to date. What I can say is that it will be a collaboration with our high-quality Schleich figures and perfectly showcase our brand values with a new product for us. Consumers, retailers, and our partner will have much fun with this collab next spring.

What are the most significant trends or changes that you’ve seen in the business in recent years?
There is a significant shift toward digital-first strategies, with streaming platforms and gaming becoming key drivers of IP monetization. Consumers demand more sustainable, ethically produced licensed products, pushing brands to prioritize eco-friendly practices. We also see the growth in fan-driven merchandise—consumers, especially Gen Z and Millennials, are seeking products tied to their favorite shows, games, and franchises. Growing demand for collectables, apparel, and limited-edition merchandise reflects fandom culture, often driven by nostalgia or exclusivity.

What keeps you up at night? What’s your biggest challenge these days?
Staying ahead of rapidly shifting consumer trends and ensuring our IPs resonate with diverse, global audiences is a constant challenge. Additionally, protecting intellectual properties in a digital age while navigating fierce competition in an ever-evolving marketplace keeps me focused.

In your opinion, what is the top skill every licensing executive should have in order to succeed?
Licensing executives must build strong, strategic relationships while adapting to market changes. It’s necessary to balance a creative vision with business insights to develop partnerships that drive long-term growth and resonate with consumers’ demands.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received, or what’s your favorite quote?
“Success isn’t about how much money you make; it’s about the difference you make in people’s lives,” by Michelle Obama. This statement perfectly reminds me to prioritize impact, purpose, and uplifting others in all aspects of life and work.

What is your favorite licensing deal of all time? (It doesn’t have to be one that was signed by you.)
My favorite licensing deal of all time in the toy industry is the partnership between LEGO and Star Wars, which brought together two iconic brands to create timeless, collectable sets. This collaboration fueled fan enthusiasm and expanded both brands into new markets, creating a lasting cultural phenomenon.

If you weren’t in licensing, what would you be doing now?
I’d likely be in the entertainment or gaming industry if I weren’t in licensing. It combines creativity, storytelling, and intellectual property development with massive collaboration opportunities, character licensing, and creating immersive consumer experiences through technology.

The last licensed product I bought was…
I unfortunately belong to the ‘totally lost fashion victim species,’ so, the last product I bought was a very cool jumper (as I believe) featuring the all-time classic Looney Tunes.