Global Merchandising Services Taps Lisa Streff as SVP of Licensing, Brand Development

Global Merchandising Services (Global), an independently owned and operated music, celebrity and lifestyle merchandising company has announced the expansion of its team with the appointment of former Universal Music Group’s Epic Rights/Bravado executive, Lisa Streff, as senior vice president, licensing and brand development for North America.

Streff will work with Jens Drinkwater, head, licensing, and Mary Kean, director, licensing, and will focus on growing the North American licensing programs for its roster of clients and on broadening the scope of its rights representation services. Streff will attend Licensing Expo to meet with current and prospective partners, collaborating with the executive team to ensure the continuity and growth of Global’s long-term merchandising programs.

Streff most recently served as senior vice president, global licensing, Universal Music Group’s Epic Rights and Bravado rosters, overseeing worldwide licensing for artists, including KISS, Def Leppard, Aerosmith, Britney Spears, AC/DC, David Bowie, Rolling Stones, Guns & Roses, Elton John, CBGB, The Beach Boys, Tupac and more. In 2014, she became part of the executive launch team of the late music merchandising pioneer, Dell Furano’s, global merchandise, licensing and branding agency, Epic Rights. Streff continued representing Epic Rights’ roster through the company’s acquisition by Universal Music Group in 2019.

“With a successful track record in music merchandising, Lisa has been instrumental in developing merchandise and licensing programs for some of the biggest artists in the world, including KISS, Aerosmith and Def Leppard and her expertise will make her a valuable addition to our team, leading Global’s North American efforts as we continue to build and grow our artists’ programs,” says Barry Drinkwater, chairman, Global.

“It has been a thrilling ride over the past 10-plus years working in the world of music merchandising starting with my mentor, Dell Furano’s, Epic Rights through Universal Music Group and now joining the amazing team at Global,” says Lisa Streff. “I am excited to dive in with Jens and Mary to further build the program of Global’s slate of world-class artists.”

Before joining Epic Rights, Streff began her career at NBC Universal, where she served as director of licensing, working for over eight years on a multitude of brands such as “Jurassic Park,” “Cat in the Hat,” “The Grinch,” “Curious George,” “The Fast and The Furious” and others.

Since then, Streff has held senior management positions at companies, including Cookie Jar Entertainment, SMC Entertainment Group and John Wayne Enterprises.