June Kirkwood

Tell us about your career journey and how you ended up here.

With 20 years’ experience in the licensing industry, June is an established licensing agent at Nutmeg Licensing, working closely with licensors to understand their brands and associated values, and seeking out like-minded companies. June’s particular focus is on sustainability and as licensing agent for the Eden Project, works with Eden to build their licensing programme by finding partners who share the same ethos and take a responsible approach towards their impact on the environment. June’s role is also pivoting to support companies which are looking to transition to a more sustainable future.

Prior to setting up Nutmeg Licensing, June started her licensing career with a licensee of Formula One team clothing, and subsequently joined licensor BBC Worldwide to develop her experience in entertainment licensing, followed up by periods with ITV Studios and HiT Entertainment (now Mattel). Highlights include arranging a Formula One car window display at Harrods, launching repeated successful Doctor Who Frubes promotions with Yoplait, instigating the development of an extension to Thomas Land at Drayton Manor Park and building a partnership between the Eden Project and ScanCom, who have just launched the first commercial chair made from plastic retrieved from the ocean.

A sustainable approach is the future of licensing and June is also a member of the Products of Change licensing group, established earlier in the year to educate and promote sustainability across the licensing industry. June continues to develop her knowledge in this area, having successfully completed the online Business Sustainability Management with the University of Cambridge in April 2020.

Describe yourself in 5-7 words.

Honest, enthusiastic, capable, committed and passionate!

Tell us about a time when you thrived at work, and what you learned about yourself from that experience.

While on maternity cover at HiT Entertainment (now Mattel), I led a project to extend Thomas Land at Drayton Manor Park, which ultimately increased by 40%. I relished the challenge to build relations, find creative solutions to problems and ultimately achieve the goal of securing extra footage.

What is your favorite part of your job?

When you have dedicated time and effort over a period of time to secure the right licensing partner, it's truly satisfying to witness the resulting partnerships developing and flourishing.

How about when you "turn off" and go home? Any hobbies or fun activities you are involved in?

Keeping up with family and friends. Walking our dog, playing tennis, doing Pilates and generally trying to keep in shape.

Any must-read, must-watch or must-follow recommendations?

I have just read Atomic Habits by James Clear - definitely worth a read.

Anything else you want to share with the WIT Community?

During these strange times, it's important not to underestimate the value of being part of a community such as WIT, which provides knowledge and support in equal measure.