ITV Studios Global Entertainment Consumer Products appoints experienced and respected industry figure to pivotal role in fast-expanding team

ITV Studios Global Entertainment Consumer Products (ITVS GE CP) has announced the appointment of Melanie Humberstone-Garley as its new Head of Sales, Merchandising and Licensing (M&L). She will report to Trudi Hayward, SVP, Global Merchandising, Consumer Products. Melanie has been appointed to this post after a highly successful 12 months in the role of licensing consultant to the UK Consumer Products team. The new post builds on and significantly expands her areas of responsibility. In her new role Melanie will be responsible for driving the delivery of annual budget and sales across all M&L product categories for ITVS GE CP kids’ brands in the UK. This will also include negotiating licensing agreements with third party manufacturers specialising in the publishing, softlines and food and confectionery categories.

Melanie came to ITV Studios in late 2011 with an impressive track record in licensing, retail and franchise development, as well as promotions. Before joining ITVS GE CP she was Head of UK Sales at Chorion, specialising in apparel and soft lines across a number of brands including Mr Men/Little Miss, Paddington, The Very Hungry Caterpillar, Noddy and Octonauts. Her more than 20 years in the licensed entertainment industry have also included posts with such respected agencies as Those Characters from Cleveland, DRi, Entertainments Rights and The Copyrights Group.

Melanie Humberstone-Garley says: "This is very exciting time for ITV Studios Global Entertainment Consumer Products. The portfolio of kids’ properties is set for a strong performance in 2013 and I’m delighted to be part of the team that will be helping them deliver. I expect this year to be a very busy and fast-paced one — and I’m looking forward to it immensely!”

Trudi Hayward adds: “We were delighted when Mel joined us; her strong reputation as an experienced and respected industry figure made her an important addition to our team. It’s no surprise that, as the Consumer Products business has grown — with her help and support — we have been keen to make even more of her abilities. Our congratulations to Mel on this well deserved appointment.”