New Head of Licensing Expo

LONDON: Jessica Blue has been elevated to VP of Licensing Expo from her current role as event director at Brand Licensing Europe.

Blue takes on leadership for the planning, growth, sales and day-to-day management of the Las Vegas-based event. She has been with Advanstar, the organizer of both Licensing Expo and BLE, since 2005. She will continue in her role at BLE under after the completion of the event. She will then relocate from London to Santa Monica at the start of 2013.

“As the licensing business becomes more and more global and brands increase their focus on expanding abroad, it was vital that we bring in someone who could give the show that global perspective,” said Chris DeMoulin, the president of licensing and executive VP of worldwide customer development at Advanstar Communications. “Jessica, a seasoned European executive who has had great success expanding the reach of our European show, was a natural fit for the role.”

"I am delighted to be taking up this position at the world’s leading event for the licensing industry,” added Blue. “Having focused on BLE and the European market for seven years, I look forward to immersing myself in the global market and ensuring that the show reflects the needs of our exhibitors, attendees and partners.”