The long time licensing industry executive and SVP Marketing and Communications for Licensing International, Bill Burke, passed away suddenly at his home on August 9th, at the age of 55.

Prior to joining Licensing International, Bill was SVP Marketing for CBS Consumer Products, where he led Global Marketing (including Retail), International Licensing, and Licensing Operations for iconic brands like Star Trek. Before that, he held senior positions with HIT Entertainment, Sesame Workshop and Foot Locker.

“Bill was already a beloved and admired person within the industry when he joined the Licensing International team in February,” said Maura Regan, president of Licensing International.

“In his brief period with us, and for those who hadn’t the pleasure of working with him previously, he quickly became a friend, creative spark and trusted sounding board for everyone on staff. It’s a measure of the man that he particularly enjoyed mentoring our interns, making sure that they got as much out of us as we got out of them.

“We will miss him personally and professionally.”

Bill is survived by his wife Patty, daughter Erin and son Ryan. Visitation and funeral arrangements are to be announced shortly.