Rikesh Desai to head up new-look department as licensing director.
BBC Worldwide has revealed a new structure for its in-house licensing team.
Rikesh Desai will head up the new-look department as licensing director, as well as managing the growing digital innovation and gaming business.
The current Merchandising and Gaming teams will work as one team.
Clare Piggott will remain as head of merchandise and report in to Rikesh.
The move has been made as part of an ongoing strategy to drive the consumer products brand footprint at retail in an increasingly tough market.
“I feel really excited to lead this talented team,” commented Rikesh. “The new structure will not only help us to deliver at retail, but we’ll also continue to work with our best in class partners to create innovative products which extend fans’ enjoyment of their favourite programmes.”
Rikesh joined BBC Worldwide in January 2012 as head of digital innovation. More recently he has transformed the gaming business, implementing a new licensing strategy and key partnerships such as the latest collaboration with Warner Bros. and LEGO for LEGO Dimensions.
The team will be showcasing a raft of new product and licensees at Brand Licensing Europe this week, including Hey Duggee, Go Jetters, Doctor Who, Top Gear, Sarah & Duck and Something Special.
