Find out more about the six award nominees, starting with Forbidden Planet’s licensing and special projects manager.
Omar Khan,
Licensing and Special Projects Manager, Forbidden Planet
My route into the licensing industry went something like this…
I started out in publishing, working on licensed tie-ins. That led to licensed acquisitions, which was invaluable experience. I transferred to the merchandise side at Forbidden Planet, and now primarily work on apparel, giftware and homeware. In my current role, I head up both business deals and creative direction, so it’s been nice to try on a few different hats in the industry – it helps me to see the bigger picture, as well as the breadth of products that can make a licence really special.
How long in the industry?
Just north of six years, with the last two at FP.
When I was growing up, I had no idea that ‘licensing’ was an industry, so I wanted to be…
I changed my mind all the time. At various points: writer, radio host, part-time pub musician – you name it.
Biggest inspiration in the licensing industry?
I’m always inspired by the diligence and excellence of my team, who work enormously hard on creating great products. Outside of them, I’ve been lucky enough to work closely with the excellent Graham Saltmarsh, Cartoon Network’s director of licensing. His absolute passion to bring Cartoon Network products to as wide a market as possible is admirable. He’s supportive, encouraging, brilliant – and a gent to boot.
Best thing about your current role?
Being able to work on so many diverse IPs and brands across popular culture. Not every job has you talking Batman mugs one minute and Nickelodeon retro t-shirts the next – it’s always exciting and keeps things fresh.
What are you most proud of within your licensing career to date?
The pop-up Ghostbusters shop at Waterloo station, in conjunction with Sony Pictures. We worked with them on an exclusive merchandise range, and then helped to create a retail space on the concourse that became the world’s first Ghostbusters shop. The impact and reach (and effort involved!) was astounding and thoroughly rewarding. What’s not to like about a New York subway-themed shop and a giant Stay Puft Man bursting out of the ground?
Licensed character you can most identify with (and why)?
Tough one! I’ll go with Spider-Man – but instead of great power and responsibility towards fighting crime, it’s more great power and responsibility to getting great deals together and new products out on time! If not him, then David Hasselhoff (he’s a licensed character, right?).
What were your first thoughts when you were revealed as a nominee for the LIMA UK Rising Star Award?
Absolutely thrilled and humbled – especially alongside the calibre of the other nominees. It’s a close-knit industry – I actually know the majority of other nominees, so I’m looking forward to a great night out.
The adage goes, once you enter the licensing industry, you never really leave… what are your short-term goals for your career in licensing?
Keep making exciting deals. Pop culture is in a golden age at the moment, and there’s never been a better time to be working on branded products. Whether it’s working with a licensor or a licensee, there’s nothing quite like seeing a wonderful new deal come to life.
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.
