Global Merchandising Services, an independently owned and operated award-winning music, celebrity, and lifestyle merchandising company with offices in London and Los Angeles, is expanding its team with the appointment of former Universal Music Group’s Epic Rights/Bravado executive Lisa Streff as SVP of Licensing & Brand Development for North America.
An innovative world-class industry leader, Global was founded in 2008 by Barry Drinkwater, who, over the span of 40 years, has worked with many of the most renowned music artists in the world, including One Direction, Spice Girls, Iron Maiden, Beyoncé, Dolly Parton, Motorhead, Oasis, and The Grateful Dead. The company prides itself on its creative experience and hands-on approach to brand-building and merchandising that over delivers, generating record sales and profits for clients. Achieving intelligent merchandising solutions and innovative brand development opportunities, Global maintains integrity and quality across all product offerings and services.
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 of iconic clients and on broadening the scope of its rights represention services. Streff will attend Licensing Expo this month to meet with current and prospective partners, collaborating with the executive team to ensure the continuity and growth of Global’s long-term merchandising programs.
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,” stated Global’s Chairman Barry Drinkwater.
“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, Lisa 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.