Bringing a wealth of knowledge and experience, Paul will oversee the licensing strategy and retail marketing across EMEA.

Universal Brand Development has announced the appointment of Paul Bufton as vice president of consumer products for the Europe, Middle East and Africa regions. Universal Brand Development globally drives expansion of the company’s intellectual properties, franchises, characters and stories through innovative physical and digital products, content, and consumer experiences. Paul joined Universal this past month, and reports directly into Vince Klaseus, president of Universal Brand Development.

Bringing a wealth of knowledge and experience, Paul will oversee the licensing strategy and retail marketing across EMEA – including the country directors and agents – as well as being supported by the regional category management and franchise teams.

Paul joins Universal from Warner Bros Consumer Products, where he was most recently vice president of licensing and business development for EMEA. Prior to joining Warner Bros, Paul held positions of vice president of consumer products EMEA for Rovio Entertainment; general manager of Warner Bros Consumer Products UK; director of consumer products EMEA for Fisher-Price; franchise director for the Lego Company’s Bionicle brand.