Steve Manners will become the new UK MD, following the departure of Graham Saltmarsh, as Licensing International intensifies its focus on the UK.

Licensing International has announced that UK managing director Graham Saltmarsh will be leaving the organisation with LI’s current head of global marketing, Steve Manners, adding the role to his remit.

Maura Regan, president of Licensing International, said: “We are incredibly grateful to outgoing UK MD Graham Saltmarsh for bringing back LEC live and in person, launching the retail program, and for all of his hard work throughout the pandemic, righting the ship and steering our UK members through Covid.”

Based in London, Steve will be responsible for supporting Licensing International’s UK members and expanding the UK membership through educational programs, expanded retail initiatives, and the Young Professionals Network (YPN). He will continue to collaborate with Informa on joint initiatives including BLE and Licensing Expo, as well as overseeing Licensing International’s marketing. This role expansion will be effective on 18th July.

“It has been a joy working with the Licensing International team and I am thrilled to continue those efforts with a focus on strengthening our strategy in the UK, which is a key market for the global licensing community,” said Steve.

Steve first joined the trade organisation in January, overseeing global marketing efforts, and brings extensive industry experience to the role, having held senior management positions at leading companies including 20th Century Fox, Universal, Beanstalk, and WildBrain CPLG. His expertise includes a deep understanding of all aspects of licensing, both from a licensor and agent perspective.