Licensing International has named Pam Kaufman, CEO and President of International Markets, Global Consumer Products & Experiences at Paramount; retail pioneer Cindy Levitt; and Carole Postal, President of Spotlight Licensing & Brand Management as its 2023 Hall of Fame inductees. The Hall of Fame honors executives’ legacies, bodies of work, and unique contributions to the licensing community.
These individuals will be honored at the 2023 Hall of Fame and Rising Star Awards event at Gotham Hall in New York City on Dec. 6. The celebration will also act as a fundraiser for Licensing International’s scholarship program. The program grants scholarships to individuals around the world who are interested in a career in brand licensing. With a focus on diversity and inclusion, the scholarship program is a crucial element of Licensing International’s ongoing work to support the next generation of licensing professionals and ensure the industry continues to grow and evolve.
Kaufman leads the consumer products and experiences business for Paramount Global, representing more than $6 billion in worldwide retail revenue from a diverse slate of franchises, brands, and content including PAW Patrol, SpongeBob SquarePants, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Star Trek, South Park, Yellowstone, and Top Gun, among others. In addition, Kaufman’s purview includes gaming and themed entertainment such as hotels, resorts, live tours, Broadway, and VidCon. Kaufman is also responsible for leading the continued globalization of Paramount’s operations, driving growth of the company’s international business including the expansive streaming portfolio, which encompasses Paramount+, free-to-air, cable networks, and the Paramount Television International Studios.
Levitt is nationally recognized for her expertise in trend retail and developing novel licensing programs for the teen and young adult market. Best known for her work with Hot Topic, Levitt recently retired as Senior Vice President of Licensing for Mad Engine. Cindy is an avid supporter of Delivering Good, which provides merchandise to people in crisis, and is passionate about mentoring individuals entering the licensing industry.
Postal launched her agency in 1997, formerly known as CopCorp. In 2017, the agency was renamed Spotlight in recognition of its focus on developing successful branding and licensing programs for entertainment and non-traditional properties. In her professional career and through philanthropic activities, Postal has focused on bringing together female leaders in business, entertainment, and philanthropy.
“We have so much to celebrate at this year’s Licensing International Hall of Fame and Rising Star Awards,” says Maura Regan, President of Licensing International. “In addition to honoring these three industry veterans, who have contributed so much not only to our industry but also to our community, we also have the opportunity to highlight gifted newcomers. This industry is full of talent, and I am so inspired by the innovation that constantly moves our business forward. I can’t wait to see what Pam, Cindy, and Carole do next.”
The Rising Star program recognizes young professionals from around the world who have been nominated by their peers for their passion for and contributions to the global brand licensing industry. The 2023 Rising Star recipients will be announced later this year.
Reach out to reach out to Maria Ungaro at mungaro@licensing.org for more information on sponsoring the 2023 Hall of Fame and Rising Star Awards.
