Global Merchandising Adds Lisa Streff As Licensing & Brand Development SVP

Lisa Streff, a former executive at Universal Music Group’s Epic Rights/Bravado, is Global Merchandising Services’ new Senior Vice President of Licensing & Brand Development for North America, the company announced.

In her new role, Streff will work closely with Global’s Head of Licensing, Jens Drinkwater, and Director of Licensing, Mary Kean, and will focus on growing the North American licensing programs for its roster and on broadening the scope of its rights representation services.

Streff most recently served as SVP of Global Licensing for Universal Music Group’s Epic Rights and Bravado rosters, overseeing worldwide licensing for artists, including KISS, Def Leppard, Aerosmith, Britney Spears, AC/DC, David Bowie, Rolling Stones, Guns & Roses, Elton John, CBGB, The Beach Boys, Tupac and more. In 2014, she became part of the executive launch team of the late music merchandising pioneer Dell Furano’s global merchandise, licensing, and branding agency, Epic Rights. Streff continued representing Epic Rights’ roster through the company’s acquisition by Universal Music Group in 2019.

“With a successful track record in music merchandising, Lisa has been instrumental in developing merchandise and licensing programs for some of the biggest artists in the world, including KISS, Aerosmith, and Def Leppard, and her expertise will make her a valuable addition to our team, leading Global’s North American efforts as we continue to build and grow our artists’ programs,” Global’s Chairman Barry Drinkwater said in a statement.

“It has been a thrilling ride over the past 10+ years working in the world of music merchandising starting with my mentor Dell Furano’s Epic Rights through Universal Music Group and now joining the amazing team at Global,” said Lisa Streff. “I am excited to dive in with Jens and Mary to further build the program of Global’s slate of world-class artists.”

Before joining Epic Rights, Streff began her career at NBC Universal, where she served as Director of Licensing, working for over eight years on a multitude of highly recognizable brands such as Jurassic Park, Cat in the Hat, The Grinch, Curious George, The Fast and The Furious and others.

Since then, Streff has held senior management positions at companies, including a Senior Vice President of Consumer Products role at Cookie Jar Entertainment, where she spearheaded the licensing and merchandising programs for Strawberry Shortcake, Mommy & Me, Richard Scarry, and a library of properties. She also served as Executive Vice President of Consumer Products for SMC Entertainment Group—a business she helped launch—where Streff oversaw consumer products campaigns for brands, including The Jungle Book TV series, Poppy Cat, and Angry Little Girls! Additionally, Streff served as Senior VP Global Partnerships and Licensing at John Wayne Enterprises, where she built corporate/promotional partnerships and expanded the global awareness of the John Wayne brand.