Find out more about the six award nominees, starting with TSBA’s senior licensing manager.
Oliver Stanton
Senior Licensing Manager, TSBA Group
My route into the licensing industry went something like this…
I started out at Sony Music licensing in and out of repertoire for compilations, re-releases, special editions, etc. Along the way opportunities started to arise to work on small, local merchandise deals… this got me interested in licensed goods in general and led to the discovery that there are whole agencies that do only that, across all kinds of brands. So I made the move over.
How long in the industry?
Just over three and a half years.
When I was growing up, I had no idea that ‘licensing’ was an industry, so I wanted to be…
An artist manager. I used to be in bands, before realising I was better at managing them than playing in them.
Biggest inspiration in the licensing industry?
Someone’s opinion I value highly, who has offered me advice, and who I would count as a mentor would be Carl Lumbard.
Best thing about your current role?
Working with iconic, British properties and taking them to some of today’s most culturally relevant international brands. Seeing these properties showcased in a new light, and in a way in which contributes to their continual service, is very rewarding.
What are you most proud of within your licensing career to date?
It would have to be when through a successful partnership with Rosland Capital, on behalf of the British Museum, the coins they produced were officially added as objects in their own right to the British Museum collection. It’s not often that a licensed product is added to an institution like the British Museum.
Licensed character you can most identify with (and why)?
Probably Captain America, as he always does the right thing and has high morals 😊
What were your first thoughts when you were revealed as a nominee for the Licensing International UK Rising Star Award?
I was so surprised and very honoured that I had been considered in such a category, even more so after seeing the other nominees.
The adage goes, once you enter the licensing industry, you never really leave… what are your short-term goals for your career in licensing?
One goal I really want to tick off in the short-term is to help establish a destination category for a brand… for example hospitality or location-based entertainment experiences.
The Licensing International UK Rising Star award will be presented as part of The Licensing Awards, which take place on Tuesday September 10 at The Grosvenor Hotel, London.
