We continue our profiles of the six nominees with Turner’s licensing executive.
Julia O’Brien,
Licensing Executive, EMEA, Turner
My route into the licensing industry went something like this…
I was looking to use my languages in a creative industry so I went to the recruitment consultant Judy Fisher and they offered me an interview at Chorion. Luckily I got the job and the rest is history.
How long in the industry?
Approximately 8 years.
When I was growing up, I had no idea that ‘licensing’ was an industry, so I wanted to be…
A teacher because they got so many presents at the end of term!
Biggest inspiration in the licensing industry?
I admire all the managers at Cartoon Network as they are so supportive, talented and unfailingly positive. Even with their workloads and targets to meet, they will always share a joke with colleagues and support the team with any issues that arise. I feel very lucky to be working here.
Best thing about your current role?
It has to be working on the books and magazines of our amazing brand, Adventure Time. The show is so unique, entertaining and full of unexpected characters and lands that we can push the boundaries with the content and create really exciting products. I’ve really enjoyed brainstorming with Titan Publishing on the magazine covermounts and activity pages, and then seeing the products come to life.
What are you most proud of within your licensing career to date?
I am most proud of introducing our publishing partner to the Powerpuff Girls brand and developing new stories with the editor. I managed to get the editor and designer really excited about the brand at our immersion day and they left our office brimming with ideas. We are currently working together to create the new stories and activity books and I’m sure that little girls everywhere will love them.
Licensed character you can most identify with (and why)?
Jake from Adventure Time because he loves food and lives in a treehouse (my dream holiday home).
What were your first thoughts when you were revealed as a nominee for the LIMA UK Rising Star Award?
Wow, what a surprise and an honour!
The adage goes, once you enter the licensing industry, you never really leave… what are your short-term goals for your career in licensing?
I would ideally like to progress to managerial level as I have a wealth of experience in the industry and feel I have a lot to offer to a team. That, and of course live in a treehouse.
The LIMA UK Rising Stars award will be presented as part of the Licensing Awards, which take place on Tuesday September 13 at The Grosvenor Hotel, London.
