Universal Destinations & Experiences (UDX) has appointed Donna Mirus Bates as global franchise strategy officer, overseeing UDX franchise management and strategic partnerships
Bates will report to Vince Klaseus, president of UDX franchise, products and partnerships.
In her newly created role, Bates will lead global franchise strategy across UDX’s portfolio of intellectual properties, help shape long-term franchise road maps and partnerships that drive growth across theme parks, consumer products and experiential platforms.
Bates will work in close collaboration with the Universal Entertainment Franchise team, creative, commercial and destination partners in order to unlock more franchise value through strategic alignment, innovation and brand stewardship across UDX.
The move comes as Universal’s parks continue to expand and drive strong revenue growth — including its Epic Universe in Florida, celebrating a year of enthusiastic crowds.
