Paramount’s Pam Kaufman is among the the 2023 Hall of Fame inductees, who will be honoured at an event in New York City in December.
The Hall of Fame honours executives’ legacies, bodies of work and unique contributions to the licensing community. This year’s inductees are 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.
The celebration of Pam, Cindy and Carole’s accomplishments will also act as a fundraiser for Licensing International’s scholarship programme. The programme grants scholarships to deserving individuals around the world who are interested in a career in brand licensing. With a focus on diversity and inclusion, the scholarship programme 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.
Pam leads the consumer products and experiences business for Paramount Global, representing well over $6b 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, Pam’s purview includes gaming and themed entertainment such as hotels, resorts, live tours, Broadway and VidCon. Pam is also responsible for leading the continued globalisation 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. Pam serves as a member of the Board of Directors of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Foundation as well as Stella McCartney. A passionate advocate for women and families, she is also on the board of the Pace Women’s Justice Center.
Best known for her more than two decades of work with retailer Hot Topic, Cindy recently retired as SVP of Licensing for Mad Engine. Cindy is an avid supporter of Delivering Good, which provides merchandise to people in crisis, and mentors individuals entering the licensing industry.
Carole launched her agency in 1997 as CopCorp. In 2017, it was renamed Spotlight. In her professional career and through philanthropic activities, Carole has focused on bringing together female leaders in business, entertainment and philanthropy.
These licensing icons will be honoured at the 2023 Hall of Fame and Rising Star Awards event in New York City on 6th December. Taking place at Gotham Hall, the event will also spotlight rising talent currently making strides in the licensing industry.
The Rising Star programme recognises 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.
“We have so much to celebrate at this year’s Licensing International Hall of Fame and Rising Star Awards,” said Maura Regan, president of Licensing International. “In addition to honouring 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.”
