LA-based manga publisher and anime producer/distributor VIZ Media has promoted COO and EVP Brad Woods (pictured right) to serve as its new president and CEO, effective immediately.

The C-suite change will see VIZ’s current CEO, Ken Sasaki (pictured left), transition into a new role as chairman and executive advisor, with a focus on shaping the company’s strategic direction and global expansion plans. Under Sasaki’s leadership over the last 13 years, VIZ has forged critical partnerships needed to expand its manga and anime business across North America, the UK, Ireland, Australia and New Zealand. 

Woods will drive the next phase of VIZ’s global growth by overseeing franchise expansion of key properties, innovating its online Shonen Jump manga platform, and enhancing consumer engagement. He has more than 25 years of experience in the licensing industry, having previously served in senior executive roles at DreamWorks Animation (SVP of consumer products and retail business development), Warner Bros. Entertainment (director of global brand licensing) and Mattel (senior brand manager). 

VIZ publishes several iconic manga titles that have been adapted into anime series, including One Piece, My Hero Academia, Naruto and Dragon Ball. Its newer titles include a soccer-inspired series called Embers, sword-fighting action comic Kagurabachi, and mystery-comedy Syd Craft: Love Is a Mystery.