International Literary Properties (ILP) has announced the appointment of two new leaders. ILP invests in, acquires, manages and enhances literary and theatrical estates. Kent Nicholson has been named senior vice president of global franchise management, and Jessica Mariani joined as vice president, business and legal affairs. Both began their new posts on June 3 and will be based out of the company’s New York City office.
Established in 2020, ILP’s portfolio includes the recently acquired literary catalog of Tony Award-winning playwright and librettist Alfred Uhry, as well as the oeuvres of Damon Runyon, Somerset Maugham and Langston Hughes.
Nicholson comes to ILP from Broadway Licensing Global (BLG), which was recently acquired by Concord Theatricals, where he served as senior vice president of artistic services and acquisitions. During Nicholson’s BLG tenure, he led the strategic acquisition of titles and development initiatives across BLG’s imprints: Broadway Licensing, Dramatists Play Service and Playscripts.
Mariani most recently served as senior director of legal business affairs for UDX — Universal creative at NBC Universal. In her nine years with the company, Mariani managed global business affairs and legal clearance for Universal’s new theme park developments.
“We are thrilled to welcome Kent Nicholson and Jessica Mariani to our rapidly expanding team,” said CEO of ILP Theatrical Michael Barra in a statement. “They both bring years of experience and expertise with them, including Kent’s extensive experience in theatrical licensing and publishing and Jessica’s previous cross media roles at NBC Universal.”
In addition to the aforementioned New York office, the company maintains locales in London, Los Angeles and Austin.
