Manuel Torres will leave the company at the end of the month; meanwhile, Joe Lawandus and Marc Low will oversee its consumer products, both nationally and internationally.

GLOBAL–Universal Brand Development has named Joe Lawandus to serve as the company’s new senior vice president and general manager of consumer products in North America, as well as expanded Marc Low’s position to senior vice president and general manager of international consumer products.

Additionally, Manuel Torres, executive vice president, worldwide consumer products, will be leaving the company at the end of the month.

Most recently, Lawandus was the senior vice president and general manager of global brand marketing and design for Mattel. During his tenure, he established a growth trajectory for the business and was responsible for developing Mattel-owned IP as well as licensed products for action figures, role play items, vehicles and innovative toys.

Prior to Mattel, he co-founded Smith & Tinker, a Seattle-based gaming startup, as well as held executive positions with Cranium and Disney Consumer Products.

Low is presently senior vice president of Universal’s international consumer products group. Through his expanded role, he will further drive the company’s consumer products business in the group’s expanding international regions.

During his tenure with Universal, Low has opened and lead multiple division’s growth across international markets.

“Our global consumer products business unit has grown exponentially over the last two years, both in the U.S. and international territories,” says Vince Klaseus, president, Universal Brand Development. “As we continue to expand our business both creatively and categorically, both Joe and Marc have the proven ability to amplify both our businesses and partner relationships as we set new benchmarks for the future.”