BBC Studios Brands & Licensing has confirmed the appointment of Nicki Sheard as ceo, Brands & Licensing as the BBC Studios division sets a new global approach to its consumer products and licensing business, with the creation of two distinct global teams.
The new set up will allow the creation of a global ‘centre of excellence’ for consumer products activities and a deeper focus on high potential licensing opportunities.
From New York, global consumer products will be led by Suzy Raia, svp global consumer products, while in London, Stephen Davies – who joined BBC Studios in 2007 and became md, consumer products and licensing in 2019 – is now svp global licensing and will oversee the newly created Global Licensing team.
They will both report into Nicki Sheard, ceo, brands and licensing.
In addition to North America and LatAm, Suzy’s remit will now include the UK, EMEA, Asia and ANZ with the support of Murilo Hinojosa, vp CP LatAm; Kate O’Connor, director of brands and licensing, ANZ; and Andrew Carley as director, CP UK, EMEA & Asia.
BBC Studios also welcomes Lee Allentuck who joins the global consumer products team in New York as vp, CP, North America to complete the CP leadership team.
“I’m grateful for the continued opportunity to oversee such a dynamic and growing part of our industry and I’m excited to see the benefits of this shift,” commented Nicki. “Having two distinct global teams for consumer products and licensing will allow us to drive a global approach for our activities and in return maximise growth for our key brands with global appeal such as Bluey and Doctor Who.
“This will also help increase our focus on key areas where we see potential, giving us an opportunity to find fresh ways to link new areas of the business, innovative in how we engage with our audiences. I’m thrilled to see Suzy and Stephen take on these expanded roles and I’m looking forward to seeing our brands thrive even more in this improved set up.”
Suzy continued: “I am both honoured and humbled by this momentous opportunity to lead our global consumer products team. This is a pivotal moment for us and with Nicki’s leadership and the support of the incredible teams across the regions, I look forward to building on our successes and driving innovative strategies to elevate our brands in service of our fans around the world.”
Stephen added: “I am thrilled to be leading a newly focused global licensing business. There are so many opportunities to unlock across such exciting business sectors as gaming, education and live entertainment and the archive presents us with a treasure trove of wonderful content to bring to audiences across the world in all sorts of ways. I cannot wait to get stuck into the next phase of our growth journey.”
(Pictured above, from left: Lee Allentuck, Nicki Sheard, Suzy Raia and Stephen Davies.)
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