BBC Studios appoints licensing manager duo to expand consumer products division

BBC Studios has appointed Louise Rigby and Gaby Dior as Licensing Managers in a move to expand the corporation’s consumer products ambitions and deliver its brand and retail strategies. 

Louise and Gaby both report to BBC Studios’ Licensing Director Merchandise, Partnerships and Interactive Rikesh Desai and are responsible for identifying new product opportunities. They will also manage and oversee the company’s existing portfolio of merchandise and brand licensing partnerships spanning Bluey, Hey Duggee, BBC Earth and Doctor Who. Louise will manage UK deals and Gaby will oversee the licensing operations and agent relationships across EMEA.

Rikesh said: “Louise and Gaby bring a wealth of experience and creativity from the brand and licensing world. They have worked with some of the most popular brands and I’m thrilled they’re joining us at an exciting time to provide our fans with more opportunities to interact with their beloved programmes and characters in new and exciting ways.” 

Louise joins from Fashion UK & Global Licensing with over 12 years’ experience working in the brand and licensing industry. She has worked with over 100 world renowned brand owners including LEGO, Disney, WB, Hasbro, Nickelodeon and PlayStation, and has led PR, marketing and account management for product areas including soft lines, accessories, footwear and health & beauty. 

Louise said: “I’m so pleased to be joining BBC Studios at such an exciting time, when the consumer products team is supporting the success and significant growth of preschool properties like Hey Duggee and Bluey. I’ve also seen their dedication to supporting partners with sustainable, ethical and environmentally friendly manufacturing which is an amazing thing to be part of. I’m looking forward to working with our existing partners and building new relationships for potential future collaborations.”

Gaby has over 15 years’ experience working in licensing and consumer products and has previously managed licensing programmes across EMEA for leading international agency Wildbrain CPLG, and internationally for Zodiak Rights (now Banijay Rights). She has worked on leading entertainment brands including The Simpsons, Sonic The Hedgehog, Sesame Street and most recently Brown & Friends, BT21, the Spinmaster portfolio, Ghostbusters and the Sony Pictures Entertainment TV portfolio.

Gaby said: “I am thrilled to be joining the team at BBC Studios, home to the very best of British creative content. Tapping into my experience across the European markets, I am looking forward to developing and growing the footprint of the licensing business for the new and award-winning pre-school brand Bluey and the wider portfolio of existing and trusted brands across the EMEA region.”