Universal Pictures has added three new executives to its recently formed brand development division–Santiago Capdepont, Stephanie Kraus and Marc Low. 

The appointments mark the first senior-level hires under Vince Klaseus, president of NBCUniversal Brand Development. 

Kraus and Low will report to Amy Taylor, executive vice president of partnerships and licensing, while Capdepont will report directly to Klaseus.

Klaseus was appointed to lead the new division in September 2014.

“As our division expands and takes shape, we are excited that Santiago, Stephanie and Marc are joining our team as Universal moves ahead with one of its most impressive slates in studio history,” he says. “They are strategic thinkers with diverse backgrounds who will position us for aggressive growth in the collective family and kid’s business.”

Capdepont joins as senior vice president of finance, strategy and operations, focusing on driving business strategy, new business opportunities and operating plans, with an emphasis on providing insights, analysis and support to the consumer products and gaming businesses.  Santiago will also support the company's expanding kids' content plan. Prior to joining Universal, Capdepont held numerous roles at The Walt Disney Company, most recently chief financial officer of Disney Stores globally.

Kraus joins Universal as senior vice president of creative and brand assurance. In this role, she will oversee and deliver a range of creative assets and product development responsibilities that service NBCUniversal’s global licensing business. Prior to joining Universal, Kraus was chief creative officer at Strategic Partners and also held various creative leadership positions at The Walt Disney Company.

Low joins Universal as senior vice president of consumer products, international. He will lead regional teams and a network of international agents, responsible for continuing growth in international markets. Before joining Universal, Low worked for The Walt Disney Company in various positions, most recently as vice president and general manager for fashion and home furnishings in the EMEA. He previously held international marketing and merchandising roles with Nike, Gap and Russell Athletic.

NBCUniversal's current senior vice president of consumer products, Cindy Chang, will work closely with Low. She will focus on the North American business relating to Universal’s theatrical releases as well as the NBCUniversal and Sprout television business.