BBC Worldwide Appoints Two in Licensed Consumer Products Division

BBC Worldwide has announced two new appointments within its Licensed Consumer Products division. The appointments see Carla Peyton stepping into the role of SVP, Licensed Consumer Products, BBC Worldwide Americas, and Ian Wickham becoming the Head of Retail Development, Licensed Consumer Products for UK, Ireland and EMEA. Peyton will be based in the company's New York offices, while Wickham joins the UK team in London. Both roles report directly to Tom Keefer, SVP Global Licensed Consumer Products.

The developments will consolidate BBC Worldwide's presence in global licensing and retail markets, with today's news coming shortly after the appointment of Bob Traub as SVP of Retail Development Licensed Consumer Products for the Americas.

The newly structured teams will see Peyton supporting Keefer on the Licensing front for the US, Canada, and Latin America, while Traub fronts the team’s retail efforts. Within the UK, Keefer will be supported by Richard Hollis, Head of UK Licensing, who continues to oversee the UK Licensing team, with Wickham leading the UK and EMEA retail drive along side Jackie Ferguson, Licensing Manager, EMEA. Keefer will continue to report to Neil Ross Russell, Managing Director of Children's Global Brands & Licensed Consumer Products.

Commenting on the new appointments, Tom Keefer, said: "I am delighted to welcome Carla and Ian to the team. Both have impressive industry backgrounds and will play an integral role in establishing BBC Worldwide as a key player in the licensing industry. With their input, I'm confident that we'll see our already thriving business taken to new heights."

With over 28 years of licensing experience, Peyton was most recently posted with Equity Management Inc., where she held the position of SVP of Licensing. With previous experience including roles with The Boyds Collection Ltd and the American Basketball League, Peyton has delivered successful results for big names such as 7UP, Goodyear, Chevrolet, Hummer, Kellogg's.

Wickham joins BBC Worldwide from The Copyright Promotions Licensing Group where his role was as a Retail Manager. With 15 years of industry experience, he specialises in retail and consumer trends and has worked with leading retailers - including Tesco, Argos and Boots - across high profile brands for Mattel, the Early Learning Centre and Tomy.