Discovery Bolsters Licensing Team

SILVER SPRING, June 10:
Discovery Communications has named Julie Robertson as its VP of domestic
licensing, while Jo Edwards has been upped to VP of international licensing.

Robertson will report to
Patrick Gates, the president and general manager of Discovery Commerce.
Robertson will lead and manage all aspects of Discovery’s domestic licensing
enterprise and develop new strategies for growth through complementary
brand-extension initiatives, including cross-divisional programs and external
partnerships. Robertson comes to the role with more than 20 years of experience
in brand marketing and product development, including for brands such as Disney
and Ringling Bros.

Reporting to Caleb Weinstein, the senior VP of Discovery Enterprises
International, Edwards will lead the company’s licensing and
franchise-management efforts in Canada and all international markets in
coordination with teams in five offices around the world. During her time with
Discovery, Edwards has built partnerships with licensees to develop consumer-product
categories tied to brands such as American Chopper and Miami Ink. Edwards’ new role will incorporate sales development direction and
marketing and distribution of all licensing initiatives including home video,
merchandise and licensed promotions in Discovery’s international regions across
Europe, Asia, Latin America and Canada. Edwards will also drive new development
opportunities for licensing deals originating outside the U.S., including
magazine publishing, live shows and gaming.

—By Kristin
Brzoznowski