DC Thomson has appointed Ishika Kawiratne as brand licensing manager in its consumer products division.

In her new role, Kawiratne will be responsible for targeting and developing new and existing relationships with licensees, promotional partners and retailers within the U.K. and international markets with a specific focus on DC Thomson’s key brands such as Dennis the Menace and Gnasher and Jackie.

 Joining from the Australian Football League where she was licensed category manager for soft lines, Ishika has previously held roles at Mercury Brands and Gaffney International Licensing and worked across leading licensed properties for global clients including Disney, Mattel, Nike, Discovery Networks and Universal Studios in Australia.

“We are delighted to announce the appointment of Ishika and welcome her on board,” says Tim Collins, head of brands, DC Thomson, to whom she will report. “Her brand licensing experience will add great value to the business during a period of rapid growth that will see us further developing our core brands, which include Jackie and Dennis the Menace and Gnasher, across the U.K. and further international markets.”