After months of searching, BBC Worldwide has brought on Tom Keefer to take on the role of SVP of global licensing.

Reporting to Neil Ross Russell, MD of BBC Worldwide Children’s and Licensing, and Garth Ancier, president of BBC Worldwide America, Keefer will make the move from California to the New York office, and begin his term on May 18.

In his new role, Keefer will be responsible for growing licensing opps across BBCW’s portfolio of children’s and adult brands, initially focusing on the US market. Working with Susanna Pollack, he’ll also lead the existing UK and international licensing teams to build children’s brands State-side, also overseeing development on adult licensing.

Keefer joins BBC Worldwide with 30 years of global licensing and brand-building experience. Since launching his career with Newsweek International, he has spearheaded the development of licensing programs for brands that have included L.A. Gear, K-Swiss, Mattel – where he was head of International Marketing & Boys Licensing and SVP, General Manager – and most recently for FIFA/2010 World Cup.