We delve into the licensing life of the ceo of 360 Audit.
Henna Riaz,
CEO, 360 Audit LLP
My route into the licensing industry went something like this…
I had been a music lawyer for years, and after a slight diversion into private equity I found myself back in the licensing industry in 2009 after I came up with the idea to create a legal/financial-based audit programme.
How many years in the industry?
6 years.
When I was growing up, I had no idea licensing was an industry so I wanted to be…
A lawyer like Ally McBeal.
The deal I am most proud of is…
We respect all our clients confidentiality so it would be unfair to pinpoint a specific one, but I am incredibly proud of the fact we have worked with the same clients for the last 6 years, growing with them and expanding into multiple territories. It is a real testament to the quality of the service we deliver.
My most interesting experience in licensing has been…
The Lowe boys’ wild and wonderful outfits at every licensing show. It really is a highlight for me.
The best piece of advice I’ve ever received is…
Always be authentic.
If I wasn’t in licensing, I would be…
Working for a charity and giving back in some way to kids or women in impoverished countries, where they lack rights and protection.
Who do you admire most in the industry (and why)?
I admire so many people, but will always be eternally grateful to Andrew Carley at Entertainment One and Richard Hollis (when he was at BBCW) for giving me my first audits. Also to Mark Kingston at Nickelodeon who is one of the most genuine people you will ever meet and has given me so much great advice over the last few years.
In a film of your life, which licensed character would play you?
Peppa Pig – little and slightly cheeky, but very much loved.
If I could change anything about the industry, it would be…
Honestly very little. I have met some of the most amazing people in this industry – it really is like a family.
