The global licensing community is powered by an incredible group of professionals whose diverse backgrounds and creative energy drive innovation and excellence. We profile one of these professionals each week, and in this special edition of the People Profile series we are introducing one of the 2025 Rising Stars Award recipients to shine a spotlight on their success.

How did you get into licensing (or how did licensing find you)?
I have always been a musician, and combining that with my childhood love of superheroes, my journey into licensing was a natural progression. After becoming a chartered accountant, I seized the opportunity to join a Royalty Audit team, which allowed me to fully integrate my creative background into my work.

What’s a “typical” day in your current position?
My typical day starts with catching up on industry news and updates. After making my coffee, I dive into client calls to discuss their audit strategies and how we can help ensure royalties are accurately reported to them. The aspect I enjoy most is the diverse range of people I encounter, as the licensing industry boasts a rich and varied global community.

What’s your biggest personal or professional accomplishment?
Professionally, I am most proud of the incredible clients I’ve had the privilege to work with, which have included leading fashion houses, major film studios, music artists, and household consumer brands. These relationships energize me every day, and contributing to such a dynamic industry is something I deeply value.

What are the most significant trends or changes that you’ve seen in the business in recent years?
There has been a significant rise in the development of advanced tech solutions among my clients. As technology becomes increasingly integral, I am being increasingly asked how my clients can stay ahead of the rapidly transforming tech landscape. My expertise in contract compliance helps shape these technological enhancements and, using KPMG’s expert teams, we offer solutions that reduce commercial leakage and optimize data utilisation.

What keeps you up at night? What’s your biggest challenge these days?
Artificial Intelligence. While AI offers immense opportunities, I worry it might lead to a “copy and paste” mentality, stifling original thought. The best licensed properties often come from amazing thinkers and creative minds. The whiteboarding sessions I have with clients and team members lead to some groundbreaking work that is unique and customized to the situational specific requirements.

In your opinion, what is the top skill every licensing executive should have in order to succeed?
Know when to ask for help. My experience in the licensing industry has shown it comes in many forms and there are some phenomenally talented people in this industry, each bringing their own specialist expertise. Many of my clients come to me asking for help to improve their licensing portfolios, for advice on how to maximise growth with licensees, and how to enhance their controls and processes to reduce commercial leakage. Through all of this, they share with me vast amounts of industry insight that culminates in more innovative solutions to licensing problems.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received, or what’s your favorite quote?
“Never miss a chance.” My Grandpa has always told me this, and it encourages me to embrace unconventional paths, which has led to some of my most memorable life experiences.

What is your favorite licensing deal of all time? (It doesn’t have to be one that was signed by you.)
My favourite licensing deal has to be LEGO Star Wars! I have marked many major life moments through buying key LEGO Star Wars models, and the two brands hold an iconic place in licensing history.

If you weren’t in licensing, what would you be doing now?
Songwriting and music performance are my big passions and playing saxophone and piano at a professional level allows me to fully embrace my creative side. But helping people is at the heart of why I enjoy my work in licensing contract performance, which is integral to helping other creatives thrive in the industry.

The last licensed products I bought were…
Buddy the Elf bedding, Hugo Boss Bottled Absolu, and Olivia Dean’s new album.