We find out more about Coolabi’s retail and licensing manager.
Hannah Stevens,
Retail and Licensing Manager at Coolabi
My route into the licensing industry went something like this…
My degree at Bournemouth University required us to take out a three-month internship in an industry of our choice. I was lucky enough to spend my three months at CPLG within the sports team, getting a taste of all things licensing. I then returned to university for the final year of my English Degree. Following my graduation in September 2013, and a short stint as a copywriter, I had the call from none other than Mr Tim Juckes to re-join CPLG as a brand manager. And with the offer of managing WWE, Sesame Street, Activision and Universal how could I say no!
How long in the industry?
Almost four fabulous years .
When I was growing up, I had no idea that ‘licensing’ was an industry, so I wanted to be…
As a horsey girl, I wanted to work within animal charities to rescue abandoned horses. This quickly changed, of course, to many other career paths. I think journalist, TV producer and professional ballerina were all in there!
Biggest inspiration in the licensing industry?
Certainly, the hardest question to answer as I have so many people who inspire me in this industry. Gemma Witts, former retail director at CPLG would have to be my biggest source of inspiration. I couldn’t wait to join her team at CPLG, after witnessing her passion for brands, incomparable knowledge of retail, but most importantly a fun approach to licensing. She’s a great example of how collaborative, un-hierarchical management style and true team work can generate the best possible results. I feel very privileged to have learnt so much from her over the last few years. I would also have to name some fantastic ladies in this industry who balance it all and to do an outstanding job every single day. Andrea Gornall (senior buyer toys, Shop Direct), Kirsti Lynch (merchandiser kids essentials, Mothercare), Liesa Dornan (UK retail director, NBC Universal), Val Fry (director of licensing, Coolabi), Stacy Scimia (senior category manager, CPLG) and Hazel Brown (vp retail development, NBC Universal) would certainly all be in my list of inspirations in the industry.
Best thing about your current role?
I am brand new into my exciting adventure at Coolabi having spent almost four years at CPLG. What I love most about working on the retail side is being right in the thick of it – from individual product launches to securing and managing cross category activations. I’m fortunate to work across the full landscape of retailers within the UK, and love forming relationships with buyers and merchandisers. Meeting with these retail teams ensures I am fully up to speed with their trends, plans and preferred suppliers which means I can plan brand activity in line with exactly what their vision for that year. Exclusivity is so important to retail, so I love to work with buyers on ‘marrying up’ brands with their consumer base. For example, working with Mothercare on launching Care Bears babywear first to market. We matched their nostalgia trend to the product and launched at retail for Mum’s who grew up with Care Bears. Within Coolabi I am fortunate to work on some fantastic properties with rich heritage such as Clangers and Bagpuss, which makes the planning process so exciting when looking at the consumer loyalty to the brands.
What are you most proud of within your licensing career to date?
Without a doubt I would have to say brokering and managing the Teletubbies 20th anniversary collaboration with menswear designer Bobby Abley and DHX Brands. Seeing the collection evolve from a phone call to its debut at London Fashion Week Men’s this year felt like such a fantastic achievement. I would also have to say working directly on the Minions movie retail campaign in 2015. Between the fantastic retail team at Universal and CPLG, we certainly managed to turn the country yellow for a summer, and it was so fantastic seeing ideas come to life with my retail accounts.
Licensed character you can most identify with (and why)?
I think I’d have to say Disney’s Mulan (90’s movie nostalgia). She’s such a strong character who knows what she wants. She loves her family and her animals – plus she has a mini dragon with Eddie Murphy’s voice. Who wouldn’t want a pet dragon?
What were your first thoughts when you were revealed as a nominee for the LIMA UK Rising Star Award?
I was absolutely honoured to have been nominated. There is so much young talent in the industry, and I feel privileged to have been recognised for some of my work over the last few years.
The adage goes, once you enter the licensing industry, you never really leave… what are your short-term goals for your career in licensing?
I certainly never want to leave! In the short-term, I want to continue to grow and develop my retail relationships and learn as much as I can from my new Coolabi team when it comes to licensing deals. I also guest lecture at Bournemouth University for second and third year students about our industry, so hopefully I can work towards bringing more young talent into the licensing world over the next few years.
The LIMA UK Rising Star award will be presented as part of the Licensing Awards, which take place on Tuesday September 12 at The Grosvenor Hotel, London.
