Summary
- Ken Sasaki steps down as VIZ Media CEO after 13 years, now serving as Chairman & Executive Advisor.
- Brad Woods takes over as CEO, bringing over 25 years of industry experience.
- Transition marks VIZ Media’s next phase of global growth in the anime and manga industry.
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On March 31st, VIZ Media announced some changes to their leadership structure as Ken Sasaki, the company’s CEO for the past 13 years, was appointed to the position of Chairman & Executive Advisor, while Brad Woods takes over as CEO. VIZ Media has described this change as an “important moment” for the company in its efforts to reinforce its position as a global powerhouse in Japanese pop culture. VIZ Media has enjoyed a period of growth in the past few years as its presence in the global anime and manga market saw substantial expansion, most recently being the licensor and producer of the highly unlikely and unexpected anime adaptation of Tsuyoshi Takaki’s BLACK TORCH manga.
The leadership change is considered VIZ’s next phase of global growth as the newly appointed Woods brings over 25 years of industry experience.
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About Ken Sasaki and Brad Woods
Passing the Torch
Ken Sasaki has been instrumental to the growth of VIZ Media. As CEO for 13 years, Sasaki transformed the company from a specialty publisher into the leading force for Japanese pop culture in the West. Under Sasaki’s leadership, VIZ Media forged various industry partnerships and pioneered digital strategies which helped turn anime and manga into mainstream and global phenomena across North America, UK & Ireland, Australia and New Zealand. Now, as Chairman & Executive Advisor, he continues 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.”
– VIZ MEdia Chairman & Executive Advisor, Ken Sasaki
VIZ Media’s new President and CEO, Brad Woods, has over 25 years of experience in entertainment, marketing, and brand strategy, including ten years at VIZ Media, where he played a key role in transforming manga and anime into mainstream entertainment. With a strong background in franchise expansion, digital innovation, and consumer engagement, Woods has led record-breaking sales initiatives, strategic brand partnerships, and VIZ’s expansion across various realms, including publishing, digital media and streaming. Woods has also held senior leadership roles at major companies like DreamWorks and Warner Bros., where he offered his expertise in franchise management, digital transformation, and global brand growth.
Source: Press release
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