Warner Bros. Consumer Products appoints Samantha Bushy as VP of North America and head of eCommerce

Warner Bros. Consumer Products has appointed the eCommerce veteran, Samantha Bushy to the role of vice president of North America and head of eCommerce.

The move comes as Pam Lifford, president of Warner Bros. Global Brands and Experiences details the company’s strategic vision of strengthening its direct to consumer and commerce abilities. Through the appointment of Bushy, the firm will “leverage her vast experience” and the insight, expertise, and leadership that she brings with her to the role.

Bushy will be responsible for the overall strategic direction, growth, and development, consumer and category strategy, and retail and licensee relationship management for WB’s Consumer Products unit in the US and Canada. In addition, she will be the lead executive on e-commerce initiatives globally.

Before joining Warner Bros. Bushy was head of eCommerce, global marketplaces with Apple Inc where she was responsible for driving eCommerce business strategy and establishing differentiated customer experience for its global marketplace business on Amazon.

Bushy has also worked in global business planning and strategy roles at Nike, Pacific Gas and Electric, as well as managed client services and corporate sponsorships for the New England Patriots.

Bushy’s appointment is effective immediately.

ZAG appoints new VP of licensing for Central, Eastern, and Northern Europe and Russia

The independent animation studio, ZAG is continuing to bolster its senior executive team with the appointment of the seasoned licensing executive, Helena Perheentupa to the newly created role of VP, licensing, Central, Eastern, Northern Europe and Russia.

Perheentupa joins ZAG from Mattel in Frankfurt, Germany, where she rose through the ranks over her 13-year tenure to become head of licensing, In the role, she oversaw Mattel properties such as Barbie, Hot Wheels, Fisher-Price, Monster High, Uno, Matchbox; and Hit Entertainment properties, Thomas & Friends, Fireman Sam, Bob the Builder, Pingu and more.

Prior, she served at another bluechip giant, Procter & Gamble, with roles including category manager beauty care and joint business planning manager, developing, planning and executing a range of long-term strategic projects for the giant’s extensive brand portfolio.

Perheentupa will spearhead the licensing and new business development efforts in region for ZAG’s portfolio of ZAG Heroez brands, reporting to Kirk Bloomgarden, ZAG’s SVP, global licensing, and managing the company’s regional licensing agents including CPLG  (GAS,) J&M (Benelux), Planeta Junior (CEE), and Saks (Russia).

“Europe has been and continues to be a hugely important region for ZAG, and Helena’s “boots on the ground” appointment will ensure that we are driving new business and supporting our licensees, retailers and promotional partners for ZAG’s portfolio of brands including of course our flagship brand, Miraculous – Tales of Ladybug and Cat Noir, our newest property, Ghostforce, currently in production for Disney Channel EMEA, TF1, and Discovery Kids Latin America, and a soon to be announced new IP,” said Julian Zag.

“Helena is a well-liked and well-respected industry executive and we’re thrilled to welcome her to the team.”

Industry veteran Bill Burke joins Licensing International as SVP marketing strategy and comms

The global licensing veteran Bill Burke has joined Licensing International as SVP marketing strategy and communications.

Burke moves over to the premier trade association for the global brand licensing industry having previously held the position of senior vice president marketing for CBS Consumer Products, a role in which he led global marketing, international licensing, and licensing operations for brands like Star Trek.

Before that, he held senior positions with such companies as HIT Entertainment and Sesame Workshop.

“We are excited to have Bill join the team,” said Maura Regan, president of Licensing International. “Bill’s deep industry relationships coupled with his acute marketing savvy will be a huge boost to Licensing International’s mission to advance the business of our members and elevate our industry to the broader business community.”

Licensing International’s mission is to foster the growth and expansion of licensing around the world, raise the level of professionalism for licensing practitioners, and create greater awareness of the benefits of licensing to the business community at large.

Founded in 1985, Licensing International members in over 40 countries enjoy access to an array of benefits including extensive educational programming and worldwide networking events.

Kelvyn Gardner | Global licensing community pays tribute to industry’s ‘brightest star and biggest heart’

Tributes have been paid en masse from across the industry to ‘one of licensing’s brightest stars and biggest hearts’, Kelvyn Gardner, who very sadly died unexpectedly yesterday morning (January 26).

As the tragic news broke throughout the evening, members from across the global licensing community were moved to share condolences and memories of the greatly respected and much-loved ‘king of licensing’ who died of a heart attack this week.

The founder of Asgard Media and the long-time managing director of Licensing International UK, as well as an active member of the Light Fund committee, Kelvyn will be remembered as a source of inspiration, friendship, and support to many across the industry.

Kelvyn’s wife, Michelle, alongside his daughter Regan and son Eliot shared the news yesterday evening. Michelle also posted a message to the social media platform, LinkedIn to relay the news to the extensive community of friends and colleagues that Kelvyn had built around him over his lifetime in licensing.

“It was almost instant, he had tingling pains in his arms and felt a slight pain in his chest,” she posted. “I was getting dressed to take him to emergency as I wasn’t happy with what was going on, when he fell back and started not breathing properly. I called 999 and was on the phone while doing heart massage (cpr).

“The ambulance took only ten minutes to arrive, where they worked on Kelvyn for about an hour. Although they were extremely kind, saying they were taking him into MK Hospital where the resuscitation team was waiting, myself, Regan & Eliot (his children) knew that he had passed away.

“As I am typing this I just cannot tell you how we feel we are at a loss… It was Kelvyn’s 66th birthday on the 22nd of January 2021 and was going to be our big wedding anniversary 40 years… we had joked that he wouldn’t know one end of a ruby if it bit him, so I think I might have got some ruby coloured Warrington gear!

“Please feel free to get in touch, as Covid is so crap you know that funerals are 30 people, so in time we think a memorial service in its stead (Covid notwithstanding) – Michelle Gardner.”

Michelle’s message and the sudden shock of the news has prompted a mass outpouring from an industry enchanted by a man for whom licensing and the people within it was a way of life. 

In the tributes that continue to be paid to him, Kelvyn has been remembered as the “brightest star and biggest heart in the licensing industry” as well as a ‘familiar and friendly face of the licensing industry; a genuine man who always had time for a chat. He will be missed by all who had the pleasure to know him.’

From the early days in the licensed collectables space with Merlin through his career with Licensing International UK and in the latter years with Asgard Media (his own award-winning business that he maintained throughout) as well as his Living with Licensing Podcast, Kelvyn had been the voice of the industry.

A friend to all in the business, Kelvyn has always been a constant source of support and inspiration to us at Licensing.biz; our conversations always characterised by laughter, his sharing of great insight and depth of knowledge, and is ability to ever be forward-looking.

A true embodiment of the licensing community he helped create, Kelvyn will be deeply missed by all within it.

Kelvyn’s family have requested that no flowers are sent, but anyone who would like to get in touch can do so by writing to Pendragon House, Wicken Rd, Deanshanger, Milton Keynes, MK19 6JR.

Michelle, Regan, and Eliot are to advise on which charity they would like people to donate to in Kelvyn’s honour. 

Major expansion at The Point. 1888 sees five new members join the team

The Point. 1888 has detailed its latest major expansion with the appointment of five new employees across its commercial, product development, marketing, and legal divisions. The move comes, according to the firm, as it manages the increased attention and demand driven by ‘an incredible 2020.’

The past year not only saw The Point. 1888 roll-out a calendar of successful Virtual Immersion Events and record-breaking product launches – including a Barratt’s partnership with Iceland which sold 1.3 million units in its first 12 weeks – but it also witnessed its management team take home a pair of the industry’s most prestigious awards when MD Will Stewart won the BLLA’s Brand Ambassador of the Year, and head of retail Hannah Stevens won Licensing International’s Global Rising Star Award.

Now, as the team continues its plans for major expansion, it has welcomes a suite of new employees. Katie Wilkinson has joined as senior commercial manager for publishing, bringing with her 20 years’ experience in the publishing industry. Most recently, she worked in DJ Murphy’s children’s division and last year secured the licensed to launch Blippi magazine.

Meanwhile, Amy Wickham-Hurd has been appointed as creative commercial manager, reporting to senior commercial manager for home, Janine Richmond. She joins from eOne where she managed product development for Peppa Pig, PJ Masks, Ben and Holly’s Little Kingdom and Ricky Zoom, and prior to this she worked as a Buyer for Mothercare, Boots and Monsoon Accessorize.

Sadie Wright joins as product development executive from Santoro Licensing, reporting to product development manager Carrie Sharland, while Ellen Fazakerley has taken the newly created role of marketing executive, working under head of marketing Sarah Crimes and for the agency’s fast-growing Story.1888 division.

Finally, Kate Buitendach has joined the team as contracts manager, making the move from Disney.

Will Stewart, Managing Director of The Point.1888, said: “We’re so excited to be growing our business, creating five new roles to meet the demand from clients and have these incredible, talented legends each bring something new to our team. This is a huge step forward for our business and will allow us to fulfil the many exciting plans we have for 2021.”

Each new appointment will be crucial for the company’s continued growth. In her new role, Wilkinson will be focussed on securing the right partners to deliver new publishing opportunities that resonate with both consumers and retailers and help extend the brands the agency works with into new markets.

Wickham-Hurd’s role will be a hybrid of creative and commercial, allowing her to apply her knowledge and experience across the business while also getting involved in style guides and new collaborations.

As product development executive, Wright will be supporting the team in ensuring all items move smoothly through the development process and assisting The Point.1888’s partners in any way possible.

Fazakerley will be responsible for social media both for The Point.1888 and Story.1888’s clients. She will also be charged with upping the video content across the business and supporting head of marketing, Sarah Crimes.

Finally, Buitendach will be working alongside contracts manager Lynne Chappel, initially focussing on the busy and ever growing Moonbug account.

No stranger to The Point.1888 having worked with them as a licensee for many years, Katie Wilkinson commented: “I always found their integrity, passion, expertise, honesty and ethos refreshing and inspiring.

“When an opportunity to join them arose I was absolutely thrilled… a chance to work with a fantastic team on a diverse and hugely exciting portfolio of brands, exploring and developing products in the space I know and love.”

Amy Wickham-Hurd added: “I chose to join The Point due to the diverse and expanding portfolio of brands, such as the preschool phenomena under the Moonbug umbrella, iconic sports brands including Team GB and The British Lions, classic properties such as Moomins and carefully curated design brands like Miss Print and Jimbobart to name but a few.

“Not to mention a fantastic team that are pushing the boundaries within Licensing to bring innovative new products to market.”

Established in 2014, The Point.1888 delivers retail focused brand extension programmes by creating new products based on the gaps it sees at retail, rather than what it thinks the brand’s target demographic might like.

Environment | “Toy recycling is key to educating children”: Wastebuster’s call to the industry

An underwater photographer turned campaigner, conservationist, and educator on the environmental impact of climate change and pollution on the world’s oceans, Katy Newnham is about to embark on her latest venture to help change the course of history.

Last week, Wastebuster launched its Recycle to Read and Toy Take Back scheme, an initiative that has called on the toy industry to support in the efforts to find better and more sustainable methods of keeping the hard to recycle toy plastics out of landfills and out of the natural ecosystem.

Landing initially as a reward system for schools, the programme aims to engage consumers to recycle toys in selected schools and retailers across the country, and to reward those participating schools and communities with books and reading resources for children.

With toy and publishing firms already signed up to the initiative, Newnham is doubling down on her appeal to an industry to help educate children no environmental issues and taking a lead in the fight for a better, sustainable future.

Here, Licensing.biz catches up with Katy Newnham, founder of Wastebuster and the Recycle to Read programme, to learn more about it all.

Hi Katy, thanks for chatting with us. To start, can you tell us a bit about yourself and your role with Wastebuster. What is the Wastebuster mission?

I began my career as a commercial underwater photographer but having witnessed the impact of climate change and pollution on the oceans’ ecosystems, I moved into conservation and education. In 2006 I created Wastebuster, becoming the founder and CEO of the not-for-profit environmental education company.

With partners and supporters that have ranged from UN Environment to Pinewood Film Studios and Google, Wastebuster now supports over 20,000 schools, and 30,000 teachers worldwide. Specialising in delivering national and international, cross-sector education and awareness campaigns, designed to promote responsible consumption in primary aged school children.

In 2019, Wastebuster acquired The Pod, an education platform for schools and together they have become one of the largest providers of free education for sustainable development, to children all over the world. Our goal is to harness the power of entertainment to inspire social change.

Can you give us a bit of an overview of the campaigns and initiatives you guys have led and the kind of partners you have worked with?

We work with partners ranging from international corporates, local authorities, NGO’s, Governments and the UN to deliver education and awareness programmes that support development of the circular economy, in alignment with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Wastebuster has worked with WRAP since 2008, with the Wastebuster characters fronting the Recycle now Schools programme. For our 2012 Sport into Schools campaign, Wastebuster worked with the 2012 Olympic Committee, LOCOG, to use the increased interest in sport to initiate a UK wide textile recycling campaign that exchanged unwanted textiles for thousands of UK under resourced schools, for new sports equipment.

More recently Wastebuster have delivered circular economy education and school engagement programmes in South Africa and the Middle East, to support the development of new recycling infrastructure for hard to recycle plastics. This led Wastebuster to be instrumental in the formation of EPPIC (Extended Plastics Partnership for Innovation in Circularity) alongside DOW, Marks and Spencer and Ecosurety.

EPPIC is a new nationwide initiative that aims to create the infrastructure and mechanisms for the collection and recycling of ‘hard to recycle’ flexible and hard plastics. By bringing together a critical mass of key stakeholders we can deliver a functioning and profitable recycling system that benefits retailers and brand owners, publishers, recyclers, citizens and most importantly, the environment.

Currently, Wastebuster is leading the workstream on hard to recycle toy plastics, which has led to the formation of the Recycle to Read campaign, in association with Products of Change.

“We feel that toy recycling, is a key to educating children in the importance of recycling and living a more sustainable lifestyle.”

Can you talk us through the latest initiative – the Recycle to Read campaign and the Toy Take Back scheme? Who is this campaign targeting and how?

For the Recycle to Read Campaign, Wastebuster is working with EPPIC and Products of Change to bring together cross-sector stakeholders (toy companies, brand, owners, publishers, government) to develop an efficient, environmental, and sustainable infrastructure for recycling plastic toys, initially in the UK.

Initially, the programme will engage consumers to recycle toys (including electricals and textiles) in selected schools and retailers, and to reward participating schools and communities with books and reading resources to improve children’s literacy.

The Recycle to Read toy recycling programme unlocks the value of collaborative advantage. It provides an industry-wide infrastructure solution for recycling all plastic toys that consumers can engage with easily, whilst unlocking considerable social, economic and environmental benefits for the communities in which it operates.

The programme also provides research and industry insight into toy design for recyclability to support the move towards a more circular future for toy production.

Recycle to Read is more than just a recycling campaign and environmental educational programme, it is a collective impact programme and dynamic research project that provides a solution to a complex issue, through multi-stakeholder collaboration including industry, government, and consumers.

How are you guys now tapping directly into the children’s sector? And why is this such an important sector to tap into?

We feel that toy recycling, is a key to educating children in the importance of recycling and living a more sustainable lifestyle. The Recycle to Read junior board members (made up of six to 11-year-olds) made it very clear to us that they have a unique and emotional bond with their toys and understanding how they can help their toys to be reused or recycled when they are no longer wanted is a huge step in creating positive messaging around the concept of recycling.

Helena Stopher at Products of Change and the Children’s Magazine Forum have been instrumental in introducing us to the children’s sector and so far it’s been hugely rewarding working with such a positive and forward thinking industry.

Why is now the right time for toy companies to be joining this campaign? Why are they so integral to the initiative?

There is no time like now to change the future of the toy industry.

Many companies are already taking this issue seriously, especially in terms of packaging and design. Those who become members of the R2R campaign will be:

  • Helping to ensure the toy industry has a sustainable future and recycling solution
  • Proactively leading change ahead of government legislation
  • Supporting and contributing to new and better intelligence on the recyclability of toys and product design
  • Demonstrating responsibility for their products in the market giving assurance to their consumers
  • Able to utilise resources for the promotion of responsible consumption to your consumers

Acting as a responsible business sector is no longer a ‘nice to have’. It is a commercial necessity and environmental imperative. We can turn the dial for a whole generation, to promote and enable responsible consumption and production.

Let’s make this a good news story for industry, for children and for the planet. Let’s work together to do that.

The Recycle to Read campaign is financed purely by members fees and we are engaging with all brands, retailers, manufacturers, and publishers who market to children, to get behind this scheme in order to create a sustainable future for their businesses.

The programme is run on a “not for profit” basis and all members will have the opportunity to vote on how any potential profit from the value of recycled material is spent – be that more school resources, scaling up the infrastructure or reducing member fees.

What sort of reception have you had to it so far?

The sector is more than ready for this and we have had nothing but support so far.

Over 40 companies and 70 local authorities took part in a special round table webinar in November, to find out more about the campaign and we are delighted that Immediate Media and Smart Games have become founder members and are looking forward to be announcing a host of other members in the New Year.

What are you setting out to achieve, what is the mission statement for the Recycle to Read campaign and why is it more important than ever that the toy industry sits up and takes part?

Our goals are as follows:

  • To provide a new, robust, and economical infrastructure for the collection and recycling of toys, small WEEE and textiles in the UK including schools, retailers, household waste and recycling sites, businesses, community groups and more.
  • To engage, educate and encourage families to reuse and recycle more.
  • To supply industry with the research and science to create more sustainable products.
  • To create greater circularity within the UK toy industry, in a manner that can be replicated in other territories

We are working as a non-profit organisation to help the toy industry to come together to create a solution to its’ sustainability problem and help us to educate children in the importance of recycling. This is not going to happen overnight, we have a five year plan to get the UK to the point where toy recycling can be carried out via local household waste and recycling centres.

It’s a big goal and we can only achieve it if we all work together, for the common good.

How can toy companies get involved in the programme?

Visit our website www.recycletoread.org and sign up to the Webinar on 18th February, where you will be able to find out all you need about the campaign. If you don’t want to wait until then you can contact any of the members of R2R leadership team to discuss the programme in more detail – contact details are also on the website.

We will be working hard to get members fully registered by the end of February, so that we can launch phase one of the Recycle to Read Toy and Tech Take Backs in Schools in the summer term.

We can’t wait to get started!

Toy and licensing powerhouse Jazwares makes top-level promotions and names Laura Zebersky new president

The global toys and licensing powerhouse, Jazwares, has promoted Laura Zebersky to the position of president. The 15-year veteran of the toy industry most recently held the title of chief commercial officer, overseeing its global licensing, marketing, and sales efforts.

Judd Zebersky will remain as chief executive officer and the pair will continue to drive forward the success of the company together.

Laura Zebersky helped catapult Jazwares’ growth by driving global licensing, marketing, retail expansion and exponential sales. In 2017, she was a recipient of the prestigious Women In Toys Wonder Women Award, honouring top female executives, thought leaders, entrepreneurs and other change makers within the toy, licensing, and entertainment industries.

Judd Zebersky, CEO, Jazwares, said: “Laura is the most amazing business and life partner anyone could ask for. Her understanding of the toy industry and business savvy is unmatched. Partnering with Laura, now as president, the future success and possibilities for Jazwares are boundless.”

Jazwares has also announced the promotion of several management executives across the company.

Kelly Deen has been promoted to senior vice president of marketing and is credited for transforming the marketing and campaign strategy within the company. Deen joined Jazwares in 2019, bringing her experience and passion for the toy and entertainment category, and has led the team to drive tremendous results despite the challenges of the past year.

Previously, Deen led marketing and intelligence at tech startup, Magic Leap, and consumer marketing at Cartoon Network.

Additionally, Gerhard Runken has been promoted to senior vice president of brand for Jazwares’ boy brands and Kellytoy brands, including Squishmallows, Micro Machines, and Pokémon, among others.

Runken was previously the vice president of marketing and brand at Wicked Cool Toys prior to the acquisition in October 2019.

As Jazwares celebrates continued growth in Europe, Jonny Taylor has been promoted to senior vice president, Europe. Previously the managing director, UK and Nordics, Taylor established the UK office in 2012 and has managed the German office since February 2020.

In his new role, Taylor will continue to support development in these markets, while also focusing on growth in other key territories.

Boat Rocker Studios appoints Denise Gomez to new director of licensing for the Americas role

The award-winning Boat Rocker Studios has appointed Denise Gomez to the role of director of licensing for the Americas. In the newly created role, Gomez will support and further drive Boat Rocker’s recent expansion in building global franchises.

Gomez will be based at the company’s New York offices where she will report to Kate Schlomann, executive vice president of brand management and content marketing.

Gomez joins Boat Rocker from WarnerMedia, where she spent 14 years in a variety of roles for Cartoon Network Enterprises – most recently as senior director of licensing, responsible for the acquisition and management of licensing partnerships, maximising growth across categories, and extending retail penetration for multiple global brands including Powerpuff Girls, Ben 10 and Rick and Morty.

Prior to Cartoon Network, she was with Nickelodeon Consumer Products where she launched the consumer electronics category, followed by a move into retail development, building and executing channel strategies for award-winning global brands including SpongeBob SquarePants, Dora the Explorer and Blue’s Clues.

In her new role at Boat Rocker Studios, Gomez will manage licensing and promotions across all genres at Boat Rocker Studios, with heavy focus on the Kids and Family portfolio, covering the US, Canada and Latin America, as well as involvement in global deals.

January will see the launch of the “pre-westoric” animation series Dino Ranch on Disney Junior and CBC. Other current hot properties for Gomez’s immediate attention include Kingdom Force, produced in association with CBC Kids and Radio-Canada, which airs on Cartoon Network in Europe, Asia and Nat Geo in Lat Am; Remy and Boo on Universal Kids and CBC; and Love Monster on CBeebies, HBO Max and CBC.

Kate Schlomann, EVP of brand management and content marketing, Boat Rocker Studios, said: “We are delighted to welcome Denise to the Boat Rocker family. She is a highly respected and innovative senior licensing executive with expertise driving monetisation of intellectual property across all categories, and retail channels for top entertainment brands.

“Her wealth of experience will be a huge asset and complements our team as we rapidly grow our licensing business in 2021 and beyond.”

Gomez said: “I’m thrilled to join Boat Rocker at such a dynamic time for the company. It has a fantastically robust portfolio and I can’t wait to get stuck in and help to build on its recent success. I’m already saddled up for the launch of Dino Ranch and I’m really excited about exploring new licensing opportunities for that and for our many other amazing shows.”

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and the estate of Bruce Lee collaborate on social justice campaign

Former NBA star and social justice champion, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar has formed a new collaborative partnership with the estate of Bruce Lee. The partnership, presided over by Iconomy LLC, will kick off with the release of a limited edition t-shirt with the purpose of tackling systemic racism and fighting for social justice.

“We had an unlikely friendship – a 7 foot 2 basketball player and a 5 foot 8 martial artist – but we had a shared interest in music, the arts, philosophy, and improving the lives of people who looked like us,” said Abdul-Jabbar.

“We believe that tackling systemic racism starts with making a friends who doesn’t look like you and creating empathy for others. That’s what we’re hoping to promote with our social justice champion/social justice warrior efforts.”

Shannon Lee, daughter of Bruce Lee, added: “My father made martial arts an international phenomenon and made millions of friends who didn’t look like him along the way. This partnership is a tribute to his legacy and the inspiration he – and Kareem – continue to be when it comes to uniting our global community.” 

The partnership will be launched by Iconomy LLC and will kick off with the release of a limited edition t-shirt, scheduled to launch on November 27th – marking the 80th birthday of Bruce Lee.

“Iconomy, LLC is launching a ground-breaking partnership between Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Bruce Lee Family Company,” said Deborah Morales, CEO of Iconomy.

“A collaboration of this caliber – fusing sports, culture, and leadership – embodies the Iconomy mission of helping icons go from success to significance, and will open the door to more impactful partnerships.”

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and the estate of Bruce Lee collaborate on social justice campaign

Former NBA star and social justice champion, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar has formed a new collaborative partnership with the estate of Bruce Lee. The partnership, presided over by Iconomy LLC, will kick off with the release of a limited edition t-shirt with the purpose of tackling systemic racism and fighting for social justice.

“We had an unlikely friendship – a 7 foot 2 basketball player and a 5 foot 8 martial artist – but we had a shared interest in music, the arts, philosophy, and improving the lives of people who looked like us,” said Abdul-Jabbar.

“We believe that tackling systemic racism starts with making a friends who doesn’t look like you and creating empathy for others. That’s what we’re hoping to promote with our social justice champion/social justice warrior efforts.”

Shannon Lee, daughter of Bruce Lee, added: “My father made martial arts an international phenomenon and made millions of friends who didn’t look like him along the way. This partnership is a tribute to his legacy and the inspiration he – and Kareem – continue to be when it comes to uniting our global community.” 

The partnership will be launched by Iconomy LLC and will kick off with the release of a limited edition t-shirt, scheduled to launch on November 27th – marking the 80th birthday of Bruce Lee.

“Iconomy, LLC is launching a ground-breaking partnership between Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Bruce Lee Family Company,” said Deborah Morales, CEO of Iconomy.

“A collaboration of this caliber – fusing sports, culture, and leadership – embodies the Iconomy mission of helping icons go from success to significance, and will open the door to more impactful partnerships.”