Stu Seltzer '87

President, Seltzer Licensing Group

Stu Seltzer '87 is the president of Seltzer Licensing Group, a global agency he has guided for over 25 years, renowned for its comprehensive expertise in brand licensing, partnership marketing, and strategic alliances. With a career marked by subtlety and effectiveness, Stu has consistently enhanced the prestige of the licensing industry, bringing a refined touch to engagements with major clients including Unilever, Scotts Miracle-Gro, and the American Red Cross. Stu was also inducted into the International Licensing Hall of Fame in 2024.  

His understanding of the licensing field and adept negotiation skills were honed through pivotal roles at organizations such as Yves Saint Laurent and the DC Comics division of Warner Bros. His strategic insights have driven substantial returns on marketing investments for iconic brands like Campbell’s Soup, Popsicle, and NBC’s The Office. 

In academia, Stu has contributed significantly as an award-winning professor at New York University, where he has taught a pioneering course on brand licensing to undergraduates for over 20 years. He has also been teaching a Lehigh MBA class, Ventures in Brand Licensing, for the past few years. His educational endeavors extend beyond the classroom; he is a sought-after speaker who has delivered compelling seminars at the International Licensing Expo and various global conferences for over decades.

Before embarking on his licensing career, Stu developed a strong analytical foundation as a CPA at Arthur Andersen & Co. He is an alumnus of Lehigh University and holds an MBA from Columbia Business School. Outside of his professional life, he is a devoted husband to Danielle, his wife of 32 years, and a proud father of three; Jacob, Noah and Sabrina. His legacy is not only defined by his achievements but also by his humble approach and unwavering dedication to elevating the standards of the licensing industry. 

Stu's boundless enthusiasm is evident in his presence at industry trade shows, where he is known for his tireless energy and his company’s very entertaining video recaps. Beyond his leadership at Seltzer Licensing Group, Stu channels his vigor into an active lifestyle; he is an avid runner, cyclist, ice hockey and tennis player. Whether competing with friends or participating in events to benefit his favorite charities, Stu's passion for life and community involvement shines through in everything he does. This spirited approach not only enriches his personal life but also inspires those around him in the professional realm, contributing further to his respected status in the industry.