BBC Studios has shuffled its licensing team following the departure of licensing director for UK and EMEA Rikesh Desai.

Desai joined BBC Studios in 2012, and was a “driving force” behind its merch and gaming activity, managing director of consumer products and licensing Stephen Davies said in a release. Most recently Desai led all merchandising, digital and interactive efforts at the studio.

Mat Way (pictured right), global director of live entertainment, will add gaming and interactive to his remit. During his time at BBC Studios, Way worked on projects including the launch of CBeebies Land and CBeebies Land Hotel. Prior to joining BBC Studios in 2011, he worked at DreamWorks (then DreamWorks Classics) as VP consumer products and live entertainment, international, and at HIT Entertainment as head of live entertainment for EMEA and UK.

Meanwhile, Mandy Thwaites (pictured left), director of magazines, takes on additional roles on the merchandising team. She joined BBC Studios in 2014, and has worked on mag licensing deals for brands including CBeebies, Doctor Who and Top Gear. The pair will report to Davies.

Earlier this year, BBC Studios bolstered its UK and EMEA licensing teams with the addition of Gaby Dior and Louise Rigby as licensing directors.