You majored in communication at Southern. What inspired this interest? SARA NEMEROV: I started as a computer sci-
ence major, which later changed to my minor. When I started at SCSU, I think computers had just been invented (kidding). But, I do recall it was the beginning of the World Wide Web. I wanted to be a programmer of websites. I started down that path, but as I developed an interest in business — in particular, how people negotiate and communicate — I took more corporate communication classes, and it became my major.
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How did you become involved in the licensing industry? NEMEROV: While getting my graduate degree from NYU, I worked at Jones Apparel Group on
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the Ralph Lauren brand. I found it incredibly fascinating that products I bought every day were licensed and not necessarily made by the company whose brand is on the goods. I had always imagined that the Ralph Lauren team made eyewear and were mixing fragrance liquid, just as they would be creating the designer collections for apparel. I learned that wasn’t the case and wanted to be a part of this expanding business. I spent valuable time at The Beanstalk Group and The Joester Loria Group working with some fabulous clients and learning from some real experts in the field. I then joined The Trump Organization to help grow Mr. Trump’s already powerful brand. I then had the opportunity to come head up the consumer products and brand licensing group for Warner Music Group where I have been happily ever since.
What’s your typical day like at Warner Music Group (WMG)? NEMEROV: I’m happy that there is no real “typical” day!
I have the pleasure of working with an incredibly diverse set of artists in the incredibly dynamic environment of the music industry. One minute I might be pitching a newly designed licensing program to one of our country stars signed to our [Warner Music Nashville] label. The next minute I could be working with one of our urban artists to plan a photo shoot for a new product we’re launching at retail in coming weeks. Then I’m likely to be on the phone with a retail partner to discuss plan-o-grams [a merchandising tool that shows where products are placed in stores] or strategizing internally with our marketing and public relations teams. The one thing that is typical is that I do forget to eat lunch. A lot! Grateful
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