Beth Schlansky, a pioneer in the licensing industry, passed away peacefully on July 29, 2024, at Columbia Presbyterian Hospice in New York City from complications from cancer. She is 70 years old.
Schlansky began her career in the Macy’s Executive Education Program, where she honed her skills in the buying office and learned about the store’s product lines. In 1979, she joined the British American Tobacco USA (BATUS) corporate office purchasing home furnishings for major retailers such as Saks Fifth Avenue, Marshall Field’s, Gimbels and Kohl’s. Her responsibilities involve extensive international travel, particularly in Europe and Asia.
In 1986, Schlansky was hired by Spencer Gifts, where she recognized the growing potential of licensing. She became one of the first Vice Presidents of Retail Licensing in the United States and was an early adopter of direct-to-retailer licensing contracts. Her innovative approach has resulted in many successful licensing ventures.
Schlansky has also made significant contributions to Licensing International (formerly LIMA), the leading trade association for the global brand licensing industry. She served on the LIMA Board of Directors, was a LIMA Retail Officer, became the first Philanthropy Chair, and helped create the licensing industry’s philanthropic focus, The Hole in The Wall Gang Camp, founded by Paul Newman.
In 2006, she founded her own company, Beth Schlansky, Inc., to provide licensing and consulting services to licensors, manufacturers and retailers. Her expertise has resulted in numerous successful licensing transactions across a variety of industries.
Schlansky is survived by her husband, George Velasco; She was preceded in death by her parents, Maurice and Lillian, and her beloved dog, Anna.
Funeral services will be held on Friday, August 2, at 1:00 p.m. EST at the Frank E. Campbell Funeral Chapel, 1076 Madison Ave. New York, NY 10028.
The family asks that no flowers be sent and asks that mourners consider donations to the Carl Schulz Park Conservancy, where Beth had a bench dedicated to her puppies, Anna and Myra.
“My garden is just a block away and takes me into a beautiful natural world!”
— Beth Schlansky
