10-11-12-13-14-15 SOTN Corp_muk.qxp_NEW LSB 2008 GRID 22/09/2018 11:35 Page 11
STATE OF THE NATION: CORPORATE
New role for Pete Selby
The Roald Dahl Story Company has significantly strengthened its team, appointing former Sainsbury’s exec Pete Selby as its new retail publishing director. Pete was previously head of books and music for Sainsbury’s. His arrival at The Roald Dahl Story Company will further support its publishing ambitions. While working closely alongside all key partners to shape and drive the publishing strategy in the UK, Pete will also help manage the international landscape as growth continues to gather pace in territories including Australia, China and the US.
Orla Kiely licensing continues The closure of Orla Kiely’s retail stores and online business will not have an impact on the licensing side of the business, the brand has confirmed. Indeed, it seems that licensing will now be the sole focus for the fashion and lifestyle brand, following the announcement that its stores on the King’s Road and Seven Dials in London and Kildare in Ireland have now closed. A statement on the website confirms that Orla Kiely’s Home and Design licensing business will “not be impacted”, with its selection of accessories and homewares continuing to be sold through its distribution partners. The directors of parent company Kiely Rowan decided to place the company into creditors’ voluntary liquidation. Below: Laura Sumner.
New roles for Fashion UK & Global Licensing Expansion is continuing apace at Fashion UK and Global Licensing. Hannah Miles has been promoted from creative director to joint managing director, working alongside fellow joint mds, Gurdev and Mickey Mattu. Joining the group, Laura Sumner takes on the role of head of accessories for both businesses. Laura has over 20 years’ accessories experience. Meanwhile, Jayne Wadsworth has returned to Global Licensing as commercial manager to continue driving group growth, while Sharif Ahmed has joined Fashion UK Germany as European sales manager.
Right: Pete Selby has been a popular hire for The Roald Dahl Story Company.
Inset: Orla Kiely prints have been used on a variety of licensed products.
Mishcon de Reya branches out
Leading law firm Mishcon de Reya has launched a new brand management business. MDR Brand Management has been created to address the growing complexity that brand owners face in the global marketplace. It is being headed up by ceo Daniel Avener. He joins from CAA-GBG where he was svp of global brands, managing a brand portfolio across 24 offices and more than 100 markets that delivered over US$1 billion of retail sales in 2017. He has worked with global brands and personalities including CocaCola, David Beckham, Skechers, Mercedes-Benz, The Hershey Company and Kodak. MDR Brand Management’s offering will include brand licensing, franchise development, commercial and strategic partnerships, Inset: Daniel IP and trademark Avener will head up the new strategy, reputation business arm. management, digital and cyber. LICENSING SOURCE BOOK EUROPE 2018
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