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)?
After graduating from university, I worked in the apparel industry in various roles, ranging from product development and sales operation to general management. In 1999, Disney Hong Kong—which served as the regional office for Asia Pacific at that time—began recruiting people who specialized in specific product categories.   Fortunately, I was selected and joined Disney as a Category Manager for Apparel, marking the start of my journey into the world of licensing.

What’s a “typical” day in your current position?
It is hard to describe a typical day because our business is quite dynamic and rarely routine. However, I would say most of my time goes into three key areas. First, communication—mainly with the team, key licensees, and licensors to align on strategies and priorities. Second, market insight—gathering information through reports, retail visits, and, most importantly, talking to the professionals in different industries.  And third, planning and execution—working toward our yearly goal while also mapping out the path for long-term growth.

What’s your biggest personal or professional accomplishment?
For me, it is not about a single accomplishment, but rather the overall approach I take in doing business. I really value building sincere relationships with people, and I always strive to communicate openly, sharing my genuine thoughts and welcoming candid feedback, even when opinions differ. I also believe in seeking win-win solutions, where all parties can fulfill their goals and achieve mutual benefits. This approach has allowed me to influence stakeholders effectively, drawing on my experience and perspective to reach common goals through teamwork, whether it involves solving complex problems or developing new business opportunities. The ability to create alignment and deliver meaningful results through collaboration is what I consider my greatest achievement.

What are the most significant trends or changes that you’ve seen in the business in recent years?
The retail landscape in China has become increasingly diverse and fragmented, encompassing both eCommerce and brick-and-mortar stores. Digital channels are not only growing but also evolving rapidly, with mobile, social commerce, and live-streaming reshaping shopping. Traditional retail is under pressure to compete with eCommerce and other retailers. Intense competition and abundance of offerings drive down prices, resulting in thinner profit margins across the supply chain. This environment has made brand engagement and differentiation more critical than ever.

What keeps you up at night? What’s your biggest challenge these days?
The biggest challenge today is the increasingly rapid shortening of product life cycles for many licensed properties in China, with some even lasting less than a year due to fast-changing market conditions. The toughest question today is no longer just how to build and grow a brand, but how to sustain its momentum and prevent it from declining amid a fast-paced environment. While most franchises may eventually face obsolescence, no franchise could maintain the same level of popularity perpetually.

In your opinion, what is the top skill every licensing executive should have in order to succeed?
I believe the most important skill for a licensing executive is strong problem-solving ability, supported by both analytical thinking and creativity. The balance of these qualities equips one to approach challenges from different perspectives.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received, or what’s your favorite quote?
“The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.”

What is your favorite licensing deal of all time? (It doesn’t have to be one that was signed by you.)
It is a tough question because, over the years, I’ve had so many great deals in mind.    Since I have to pick one, I would choose a recent deal: the DTR collaboration with KKV for SpongeBob SquarePants. It stands out not only because of the amazing products and strong sales performance, but also because of the significant marketing impact with plenty of fun, widely shared user-generated posts on social media. What made this deal truly special was the good chemistry and open communication between both teams, which enabled us to resolve challenges efficiently during the time of product development and retail execution. It is a genuine win-win situation that benefited both sides and brought the franchise to life in a fun and engaging way.

If you weren’t in licensing, what would you be doing now?
Most likely, I would have stayed in the apparel industry.

The last licensed product I bought was…
A vintage-styled Kamen Rider candy dispenser bought in Tokyo early this year.