Merchantwise Group is strengthening its executive team with two big names in brand licensing. Jacqui Shilson-Josling joins the Australian agency as Senior Director of Licensing, while Felicity Drake takes on the role of Director of Partnerships and Promotions.
As BBC Studios ANZ’s former Head of Licensing, Shilson-Josling has extensive experience building consumer product programs for legacy franchises like Doctor Who, as well as turning newcomers into smash-hit global sensations, as she did with Bluey. At Merchantwise, she will supervise Hasbro’s portfolio, leading licensing strategies for iconic brands like Peppa Pig, My Little Pony, Transformers, Monopoly, Play-Doh, Nerf, and the ever-expanding Wizards of the Coast universe, including Dungeons & Dragons and Magic: The Gathering.
Alan Schauder, CEO of Merchantwise Group, says, “Jacqui is one of the most respected and accomplished licensing executives in the Australian market and brings with her experience leading major global brands, a strategic mindset, commercial acumen, and strong industry relationships.”
Drake joins the team with a breadth of blockbuster brands under her belt. She has overseen promotions and partnerships for major film franchises at Sony Pictures, Universal Studios, and Warner Bros., including Barbie, Wonka, Wicked, A Minecraft Movie, Wuthering Heights, Spider-Man, and James Bond. She brings this knowledge and expertise to her new role at Merchantwise, where she will help strengthen and develop partnerships across the agency’s entire portfolio in key categories, including food and beverage, retail, and location-based entertainment.
“Felicity is a highly experienced entertainment marketer who joins us with skilled stakeholder management and extensive industry relationships,” Schauder continues. “Her passion for creating meaningful brand partnerships has delivered success across the cinema box office, major cultural moments, and consumer product sales, and we are excited to have her on the team to drive partnerships and promotions across our brands.”
For more information, visit merchantwisegroup.com.
