Viz Media Europe has appointed three new directors.

Kayo Kurita, who previously led the international licensing department of Asatsu in Tokyo, will become the new managing director of the animation department, reporting to group chief executive officer Hyoe Narita. 

Takeyuki “Kenko” Suzuki, from Shogakukan, joins as acquisition and approvals executive director in the animation department.

Finally, Kei Naito, from Shueisha, has beenappointed as publishing licensing director in the publishing department. 

“Executives from Shogakukan, Shueisha and Shogakukan-Shueisha Productions have actively started sending personnel to Europe more than ever. The Triple K Plan (Kayo/Kenko/Kei) are the perfect team to drive Japanese manga and animation,” says Narita. “We’re very happy to welcome them as they will not only strengthen the business of Viz Media Europe, but also, they are a step in the strategy of progressively exiting the 'otaku' direction and hence profit expanding in the European market.”