Global Licensing Group has appointed Laura Freedman-Dagg to the newly created role of head of retail, licensing.
Prior to taking maternity leave, Laura held the position of event manager, Brand Licensing Europe, where she was integral in growing the trade show’s retail proposition, successfully attracting an increasing number of high-quality European retailers to attend the event each year.
In her new post, Laura will work across the business’ global event portfolio, including Licensing Expo, the European and North American Brand & Licensing Innovation Summits and Brand Licensing Europe, to continue to deliver content and meetings for retailers and exhibitors.
Brand Licensing Europe is part of the Global Licensing Group at Informa Markets. Anna Knight, VP, Licensing, said: “The new head of retail role reflects the continued investment from Informa Markets to focus on driving retail attendance at our industry-leading licensing events.
“The new head of retail role reflects the continued investment from Informa Markets to focus on driving retail attendance at our industry-leading licensing events”
Anna Knight, VP, Licensing
“We know from talking to our customers that meeting and engaging with retailers is a huge priority for them – hence our introduction of many new initiatives over the last few years, including the Retail Mentoring Programme, Retail Trends Lounge with exclusive content sessions, VIP matchmaking concierge service, category-specific show features (publishing, heritage and interiors and gaming), and the focus on location-based experiences planned for Licensing Expo 2022.
“Equally, retailers also rely on our events to facilitate introductions between them and brand owners. As BLE event manager, Laura nurtured incredible relationships with key retailers, and I know she’ll continue to deliver ROI for them and our exhibitors and partners.â€
Laura added: “It’s brilliant to be back working with the Global Licensing Group. I loved developing the BLE retail proposition, and to be able to recreate that globally across our other event brands will be fantastic.
“One thing I’ve learned over the years is that the retail buying calendar isn’t homogenous, so it’s important that the whole portfolio of Global Licensing Group events can deliver value when – and where – it’s needed. Not only do we have world-class events already scheduled in the calendar, but we also have the reach and flexibility to innovate and introduce new, creative solutions. Our ethos has always been to stay close to our customers (retailers and exhibitors) so that we can understand what the market needs from us and act quickly to deliver it. This role will allow us to do this even more effectively.â€
Launched in 1998, Brand Licensing Europe is the only pan-European annual event dedicated to licensing and brand extension. The event features over 2,500 brands and more than 7,500 licensees, manufacturers, retailers, distributors, and licensing agents. It takes place from September 20 to September 22 at ExCeL in London.
