Independent animation studio ZAG continues to grow its global consumer products team, appointing its first vice president for the Latin America region.

Former Viacom executive Angela Cortez has been hired as vice president, consumer products, Latin America. 

"There has been exceptional enthusiasm for our 'Miraculous World' across the Latin America region since we launched the brand five years ago," says Julian Zag, executive vice president, global operations, ZAG. "Angela's appointment will ensure that we strengthen our presence and brands in the region and further expand our consumer audiences, as we get ready to rollout season four of the series this summer and release our upcoming movie for holiday 2021 and spring 2022."

Cortez will be based in Brazil and work from the company's new office in Miami, established to support activity across Latin America. She will spearhead the licensing and recent business development efforts for ZAG's portfolio of "ZAG Heroes" brands, including "Miraculous – Tales of Ladybug and Cat Noir" and the upcoming "Ghostface," reporting to Kirk Bloomgarden, senior vice president, global licensing, ZAG. She will also manage the company's licensing agents, including Gloob, Tycoon, IMC and Exim.

Cortez has more than 30 years of experience in licensing and retail in the LatAm region, most recently serving for 12 years for Viacom Brasil Networks and VIMN, where she rose through the ranks from licensing director in Brazil, to vice president of South America and Central America, and in the last year, to vice president for the LATAM region where she restructured and integrated the entire LatAm team. Prior, she worked for seven years for Warner Bros. South as licensing director following a two-year stint with Hopi Hari, the second-largest amusement park in Brazil. She started her career Wal-Mart Brasil as manager of softlines, baby clothing and accessories. In her career, Cortez has developed licensing programs for several leading brands in the region, including "The Powerpuff Girls," "Pucca," "The Backyardigans" and PAW Patrol.

 "I am excited to be working with such a creative and innovative company and to be part of its miraculous team of executives," says Cortez. "While the market's challenges and demands have grown due to current global complexities, interest and appreciation of quality products in terms of content and licensing have grown. My goal is to expand ZAG's activities in the Latin America region based on a sustained and broad knowledge of the needs of different markets, inclusive leadership, and the development of partnerships based on mutual respect and growth."

Additional executive changes at the company include a promotion for Eva Rodriguez, former licensing director for LatAm, to director of global licensing. She will work with senior management on consumer products strategy and operations.