Obituary | Licensing International’s Bill Burke, 55

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.

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.