By Allison Watkinson
TLL Reporter
VIZ Media has shifted Ken Sasaki to the role of chairman and executive advisor and Brad Woods to the role of president and CEO.
Previously serving as the company’s CEO, Sasaki led VIZ Media’s expansion from a specialty publisher into one of the largest distributors of Japanese pop culture content in the West.
Under his leadership, VIZ secured numerous industry partnerships, pioneered digital content strategies and helped bring manga and anime into the mainstream across North America, Europe and ANZ.
In his new role as chairman and executive advisor, Sasaki will continue to shape the company’s strategic direction as it enters its next phase of global expansion.
“What we’ve built at VIZ Media is nothing short of extraordinary,” said Sasaki. “Manga and anime have become global phenomena, and VIZ is at the center of this movement. With Brad Woods taking the lead, VIZ is poised to expand its influence in ways the industry has never seen before.”
Woods has spent a decade working to expand VIZ Media through sales initiatives, franchise management, licensing partnerships, digital innovation, consumer engagement and more.
With over 25 years of experience in the entertainment, marketing and brand development industries, Woods will continue to play a key role in driving the company’s global expansion as Viz Media’s new president and CEO.
These expansions will focus on further growing the company’s international presence across publishing, digital media, streaming, merchandise and licensed consumer products.
“Anime and manga are no longer niche—they are global cultural forces shaping entertainment, fashion, gaming, and beyond,” said Woods. “With VIZ Media’s unparalleled catalog and commitment to innovation, we are poised to reach broader audiences and set new industry standards. I’m honored to lead VIZ into this next chapter.”
Prior to joining Viz, Woods held senior leadership roles at high-profile companies such as Mattel, DreamWorks and Warner Bros. Entertainment.
VIZ Media is a US-based entertainment company that specializes in anime distribution, manga publishing and licensing for Japanese pop-culture properties.
The company’s brand portfolio includes well-known franchises such as Naruto, Bleach, JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure, Inuyasha, Death Note and more.
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