VIZ Media announced the appointment of Laura Takaragawa to the new position of vice president, consumer products, licensing and promotions. 

This position sees the integration of all of VIZ Media’s licensed merchandise and collaborations, interactive/digital games, LBE and promotions across all licensed properties.

In this role, Takaragawa will be responsible for all licensing and consumer product activities and, alongside senior leadership, will shape the company’s long-term growth plan, further developing its consumer products brand portfolio and expanding the company’s retail profile. 

“The new role will help us in driving continued growth across our licensing and consumer product business and will provide opportunities to further deepen our relationships with consumers and our partners alike,” says Brad Woods, chief marketing officer, VIZ Media. “We could not be happier to have Laura joining our team. Her vast experience in cross-platform licensing and brand storytelling, combined with her content knowledge and passion, make her the ideal leader for this role.”

Takaragawa brings much experience to the role, having operated in key licensing leadership roles at Sanrio, National Geographic and, most recently, head of global licensing at Netflix.  

In her new role, Takaragawa will report directly to Brian Ige, senior vice president, animation, VIZ Media, and is effective immediately.