Licensing International, a global brand licensing trade association, has officially inducted industry innovators Joseph Kaminkow, Maca Rotter, and Stu Seltzer into its coveted 2024 Hall of Fame.
At the event, Licensing International also recognized industry Rising Stars and students with awards and scholarships. By combining tradition with transformation, this event is a yearly opportunity to reconnect with long-time industry professionals, uplift new talent, and invest in the future of the brand licensing industry.
Joseph, Maca, and Stu are pioneers in the global brand licensing industry, whose contributions have not only resulted in significant innovation but have also set the standard for leadership and integrity. They have brought iconic brands to life in ways that continue to resonate across generations. This induction is a fitting recognition of their profound impact, as each of them has left an indelible mark on our industry, inspiring countless others to follow in their footsteps.”
Joseph Kaminkow is the Chief Innovation Officer at Aristocrat Gaming and, as Kaminkow commented, “Licensing has been at the center of much of the work that I’ve done.” His career began at Logical Highs, a game development company of his own creation, before partnering with Gary Stern to add popular brands like The Simpsons, Star Wars, and Star Trek to pinball games. He was later recruited by International Game Technology to revolutionize slot machines the same way, infusing the games with licensed titles. Now at Aristocrat Gaming, Karminkow has brought pop culture to every corner of the casino floor with this licensing talent.
Maca Rotter is considered the Queen of Licensing in Mexico. With over 25 years of experience in marketing, branding, and licensing, she has overseen unparalleled domestic and international market growth. Much of this growth is attributed to her brand licensing work across Mexico, even founding the Mexican Licensing Association chapter. Rotter is currently the President and CEO of La Panadería Licensing and serves as the first Latina woman on Licensing International’s board of directors.
Stu Seltzer has led the Seltzer Licensing Group for over 25 years. Here, Seltzer utilized his strong negotiation skills and understanding of the licensing industry to secure partnerships with powerhouse brands like Yves Saint Laurent, Warner Bros.’ DC Comics, Unilever, Miracle-Gro, and the American Red Cross. Alongside his work at the agency, Seltzer is also an award-winning professor at New York University, teaching his years of experience to future brand licensing professionals for over 20 years.
Licensing International’s 2024 Rising Star Award Recipients. | Source: Licensing International / The Toy Book
Licensing International’s 2024 Scholarship Recipients. | Source: Licensing International / The Toy Book
In addition to recognizing the 2024 Hall of Fame inductees, the event honored eight young professionals with the 2024 Rising Star Award. Ten students studying brand licensing were also awarded scholarships and grants, underscoring Licensing International’s aim to foster industry growth and inspire the leaders of tomorrow.
Nominations for Licensing International’s 2025 Hall of Fame are live now. To nominate an industry luminary or learn more about the foundation’s causes, visit Licensing International’s website.
