In a move to drive international growth and shift to direct management of its consumer products business in select EMEA territories, Universal Brand Development has named five industry veterans to its leadership team.

Kathrin Brandhorst, Virginie Kleinclaus, Karen Argos, Mariella Almasio, Jean-Francois Auquier join the previously announced, Hannah Mungo, as country directors for Universal Brand Development’s international regions–including Germany, France, Iberia, Italy, Benelux, the U.K. and Ireland, respectively.

First, Brandhorst has been appointed as country director for Germany, Switzerland and Austria. In her new position, she will be responsible for driving growth and leading the consumer products team within her territory. Previously, she was responsible for the DreamWorks Consumer Products business in Germany, Switzerland and Austria as well as the Nordics. She has also worked in various marketing and retail roles in the consumer products division of The Walt Disney Company, both in Germany and internationally.

Meanwhile, Kleinclaus has taken on the role of country director in France. Most recently, she was the managing director of CPLG France. She also spent nearly 20 years with The Walt Disney Company’s CP division, where she held a variety of senior positions, and oversaw the global direct-to-retail sales development of Carrefour.

Next, Argos has appointed as country director for Spain and Portugal, where she will spearhead the business unit in Iberia. Argos joins Universal after 15 years with The Walt Disney Company Iberia, where she was responsible for the soft lines division. Prior to that, she held a variety of roles at retail with Continente Spain (Carrefour) and L’Oreal Paris.

In addition, Almasio has taken on the role of country director for Italy. Previously, Almasio held a number of roles within Disney Consumer Products in Milan, where she contributed to the business growth of the fashion and home lines. Prior to Disney, she held several positions in the commercial departments of Hertz Italia and Grup.P.Italia.

Finally, Auquier has been appointed as the country director of Benelux. Prior to his appointment, he was responsible for managing the DreamWorks agents within the France and Benelux region for DreamWorks Consumer Products. He has also held a variety of positions at within the Walt Disney Company’s CP division across Benelux, the U.K. and Italy.