Keynote

2011 Keynote address was given by Rick Darling, President of LF USA

Rick Darling, president of LF USA, a subsidiary of Hong Kong-headquartered Li & Fung Limited, the multinational consumer goods export and logistics group, will deliver the keynote address at Licensing International Expo 2011. The keynote session will kick off the expo, which runs June 14-16 at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas.

“In his role with Li & Fung at the center of global sourcing and marketing, Rick Darling has a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities facing suppliers, brand owners, retailers and others,” said Charles Riotto, President of the International Licensing Industry Merchandisers’ Association (LIMA), which is the Expo’s sole sponsor. “We are thrilled he will be joining us as a great kickoff to the show.”

Darling oversees LF USA’s rapidly expanding business in the U.S., where its portfolio of owned and licensed brands range from top entertainment companies to celebrity names such as Jennifer Lopez, Marc Anthony, Rachel Zoe and Sofia Vergara to fashion labels such as Sean John, Ecko and Calvin Klein. In recent months, it has acquired such companies as Beyond Productions – the apparel and accessories company headed by Beyoncé and Tina Knowles – Oxford Apparel Group and footwear manufacturer Jimlar Corp. Its other owned companies include Kids Headquarters and Briefly Stated. A key partner to the world’s major department stores and mass retailers, LF USA combines innovative design, merchandising expertise, and deep retail relationships with Li & Fung’s global sourcing platform to strengthen world-class brands.

Mr. Darling currently serves as Chairman of the Board of the American Apparel & Footwear Association and is a board member for Fashion Delivers Charitable Foundation and serves on the Board of Governors for the Parson’s School of Design.

Darling oversees LF USA’s rapidly expanding business in the U.S., where its portfolio of owned and licensed brands range from top entertainment companies to celebrity names such as Jennifer Lopez, Marc Anthony, Rachel Zoe and Sofia Vergara to fashion labels such as Sean John, Ecko and Calvin Klein. In recent months, it has acquired such companies as Beyond Productions – the apparel and accessories company headed by Beyoncé and Tina Knowles – Oxford Apparel Group and footwear manufacturer Jimlar Corp. Its other owned companies include Kids Headquarters and Briefly Stated. A key partner to the world’s major department stores and mass retailers, LF USA combines innovative design, merchandising expertise, and deep retail relationships with Li & Fung’s global sourcing platform to strengthen world-class brands.

Mr. Darling currently serves as Chairman of the Board of the American Apparel & Footwear Association and is a board member for Fashion Delivers Charitable Foundation and serves on the Board of Governors for the Parson’s School of Design.

Rick Darling (President of Li & Fung USA)

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