Expert Details
Brand Extension Licensing
ID: 732209
New York, USA
She managed the worldwide licensing and merchandising business, leading the business to drive millions of dollars in licensing revenue from hundreds of consumer products manufacturers worldwide spanning key licensing categories including toys, video games, apparel and publishing. She also managed DC Direct (now called DC Collectibles), a vertically integrated pop culture toy and collectibles business, maintaining #1 market share for 10 years.
At Warner Bros./DC, she was instrumental in developing new branding initiatives for DC's portfolio of
intellectual and managing their activation throughout Warner Bros. and Time Warner divisions. Expert has a BFA from The University of the Arts. She was a Director on the board of the Licensing Industry Merchandiser's Association (LIMA), and has been a guest speaker at Licensing Expo, LIMA, NYU, FIT and StoryWorld. Expert was recently Adjunct Professor in Licensing & Merchandising at New York University's School of Professional Studies, Tisch School of Sports Management, Media and Business. She has been President of Powerhouse Branding since February 2011 and the Executive Vice President.
Expert has advised on licensing strategies, processes and typical royalty rates for companies whose licensing programs are growing beyond their initial understanding of how the industry works.She has created numerous strategic licensing plans for both consumer and entertainment brands including analyzing the competitive landscape, identifying consumer and marketplace trends, and recommending licensing opportunities. Expert has consulted on trends in children toys and pop culture collectibles, including the strengths and weaknesses of specific manufacturers.She has consulted on entertainment franchise building best practices. Expert has consulted on best practices for licensing intellectual property from DC Entertainment and Warner Bros.
Education
| Year | Degree | Subject | Institution |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year: 1977 | Degree: BFA | Subject: Fine Art | Institution: University of the Arts |
Work History
| Years | Employer | Title | Department |
|---|---|---|---|
| Years: 2011 to Present | Employer: Undisclosed | Title: President | Department: |
Responsibilities:Expert is President of an independent consultancy specializing in brand extension licensing, creative and business development for both entertainment and corporate brands. She consults with brand owners, manufacturers and licensing agencies on strategic analysis, planning, and execution of brand extension licensing strategies to drive new business development. She is an expert in the licensing industry, its major players and typical processes. Representative clientsinclude Seltzer Licensing Group, AMC Networks, Nautilus Inc., Bubble Wrap Brand, Avalanche Comics Entertainment, Innovative Toys Inc., Red Central LTD., Changes Apparel, Discus Ventures, Noah Packard Design, Bossa Nova Robotics, Mundo Lanugo and 7G Lab. |
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| Years | Employer | Title | Department |
| Years: 1987 to 2010 | Employer: | Title: Senior Vice President, Brand Management | Department: DC Entertainment |
Responsibilities:Expert was responsible for managing the development and growth of DC Entertainment's portfolio of iconic intellectual property, including Batman and Superman into the multi-billion dollar franchises they are today. She worked with hundreds of companies across industries including toys, collectibles, apparel, video games and theme parks in the licensing of DC's intellectual properties. She also managed DC Direct, a vertically integrated pop culture collectibles business for 10 years, maintaining #1 market share. Before serving as SVP of Brand Management (2004-2010), she served as Vice President of Brand Management, Vice President of Licensing and Merchandising, and Vice President of Licensing. |
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| Years | Employer | Title | Department |
| Years: 2013 to 2014 | Employer: | Title: Adjunct Professor | Department: Tisch School of Professional Studies |
Responsibilities:Expert was an Adjunct Professor for two years teaching Licensing & Merchandising to undergraduate students. |
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| Years | Employer | Title | Department |
| Years: 1980 to 1986 | Employer: | Title: Marketing Manager | Department: Annual Events |
Responsibilities:Expert was responsible for the marketing and promotion of Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade and Annual Events. |
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Career Accomplishments
| Associations / Societies |
|---|
| Time Warner Women's Network Divisional Liaison, Warner Bros. New York Member, Licensing Industry Merchandisers Association (LIMA) Board of Directors East Coast VP, LIMA Member, LIMA Charity Committee Time Warner Mentor |
| Professional Appointments |
|---|
| Adjunct Professor, New York University |
Additional Experience
| Expert Witness Experience |
|---|
| Expert was responsible for depositions relating to consumer product trademark infringement cases related to DC Comics intellectual properties. She has appeared in both state and federal court on behalf of DC Comics. Expert was called upon numerous times to verify whether or not certain products utilizing certain corporate trademarks and intellectual property was authorized. She provided deposition testimony as well as courtroom testimony several times as to the authorization of the trademark usage, providing context and expertise from her years of experience as an entertainment property and brand licensing senior executive. |
| Training / Seminars |
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| She has spoken at industry conferences such as Licensing Expo and Story World (the leading Transmedia conference). She has also developed and presented a webinar for the Licensing Industry Merchandisers' Association on licensing best practices. |
| Vendor Selection |
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| Expert has over 25 years of experience working with manufacturers in the licensing industry -- both to license brands out to manufacturers and from the point of view of manufacturers interested in licensing brands in to their line of business. She is well known throughout the licensing industry and continues to be active in the industry through volunteer and professional activities. |
| Marketing Experience |
|---|
| Expert is current on licensing industry trends and can provide insights into all categories. She knows many of the major players, and has a deep understanding of current marketplace trends and customer purchase drivers. Her insights continue to stay relevant through knowledge gained by attending key industry trade shows, meeting with industry leaders, research for client projects, as well as industry insider publications and seminars. |
| Other Relevant Experience |
|---|
| As an executive in licensing and merchandising for over 25 years, she is an expert in advising brands contemplating growth through licensing as a business strategy. Her expertise in branding, brand development and management enables her to assist brands with developing a strategic course of action that encompasses a 360 degree point of view from opportunity analysis to recommendations, planning and activation. |
Fields of Expertise
brand extension licensing, collectibles, royalty rate, toy, conventional licensing, branding, business development, creative concept, consumer toy, strategic branding, entertainment intellectual property, marketing strategy, entertainment marketing, market development, market positioning, business strategy, marketing brand management, strategic market planning, team building, business management, competitive intelligence, consumer product marketing, international licensing, project planning