Significant appointment comes at a time of expansion in key areas for JELC

Jane Evans Licensing Consultancy has announced the appointment of Janet Woodward as a Director of the company. The appointment takes effect from the end of September 2010. In her new role Janet will join forces with Jane Evans, MD of the company, at a time of company expansion across a number of brands and categories, to develop JELC’s fast-growing portfolio, further increase revenue and bring in new deals. Janet Woodward joins JELC as one of the licensing industry’s most respected figures, with nearly 20 years experience in the business, both as an independent and as a guiding force within a number of highly regarded companies.

Following a background in marketing, Janet’s licensing history began with Europe’s leading art licensing agency, MWC Ltd, where she worked with a stable of artists and illustrators to establish a character division. She became an independent consultant in 2001, working on such high-profile projects such as the Andy Warhol Foundation licensing programme and the Born Free Foundation. In 2003 she co-founded Coolebah Limited, which merged with Alibi Communications plc to become Coolabi plc. Janet held the position of Head of Licensing at Coolabi for six years, developing the licensing programmes for such projects as Purple Ronnie, Hammer Films and Scarlett and Crimson

With BLE imminent, this highly significant appointment is a clear statement of JELC’s belief in both its own growth prospects and those of the licensing business as a whole. There’s certainly no doubt that Janet is joining JELC at an exciting time for the company. As well as an established list of brands that includes Plain Lazy, Bad Cat, Sony ATV, NICI and Ruby Gloom JELC has taken on a number of new properties in recent months, including the mixed martial arts brand Ultimate Fighting Championship®, one of the world’s fastest-growing and most popular sports brands plus Grumpy Old Gits, The Bamforth Collection, Smiling Bear and Vincent

Jane Evans, MD of JELC, adds: “Janet will bring to JELC strong creative ability, a highly focused understanding of strategic property development and, most importantly, proven success across a wide range of properties and markets. We are delighted that she has brought her talents to JELC at such an exciting time for the company.”

Janet Woodward says: “This is a marvellous opportunity to work with some of the best people in the business in an outstanding agency with a powerful portfolio and strong relationships across the UK and Europe. With its fast-expanding and high quality client list, JELC is really going places — and I’m thrilled to be part of it.