Viz Media Appoints Two New Executives
VIZ Media Europe (VME), the Paris-based subsidiary of VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), is pleased to announce the appointment of Pascal Bonnet as Director of Licensing and Brand Management, and Isabelle Aghina as Director of TV & DVD Sales and Distribution.
VME specializes in the development, marketing and distribution throughout Europe, Africa and the Middle East of VIZ Media’s leading Japanese animated series and manga titles. Current VME titles include BLEACH, DEATH NOTE, NARUTO (UK free TV only), BLUE DRAGON, HONEY & CLOVER, ICHIGO 100%, M.Ć„.R., DEKO BOKO FRIENDS, ZOIDS GENESIS, MEGAMAN STAR FORCE, KIRARIN, and the RANMA ½ OVA series.
Pascal Bonnet will spearhead the licensing and brand management strategies of VME’s new animated series. He will work closely with key partners throughout Europe to grow VME’s consumer products business and to ensure a consistent and effective brand strategy across all media. Isabelle Aghina will lead VME’s television and DVD sales and distribution efforts throughout Europe, Africa and Middle East. Both will report to VME’s President/GĆ©rant, John Easum.
Mr. Bonnet has over 14 years of experience in licensing and brand management, most recently as US Director of Licensing for UBISOFT, where he oversaw the acquisition of a variety of blockbuster video games such as Naruto, King Kong, and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Prior to joining UBISOFT, Mr. Bonnet oversaw brand management at Bandai France.
‘I am very excited to join VIZ Media Europe and to return to Paris,’ says Bonnet. ‘VIZ Media is one of the most innovative companies in the area of Japanese content, and its impressive track record in North America should help us accelerate our expansion in Europe. I am looking forward to building stronger relationships with the best partners in this region.’
Ms. Aghina has over 10 years of experience in television sales and distribution having most recently held the position of VP of International Sales at Marathon Group. Prior to Marathon Group, Aghina worked for Buena Vista International Television and Saban International.
Aghina explains, ‘I am thrilled to be joining the premiere company in the area of Japanese content. There is so much excitement in Europe for Japanese animation and manga, and VIZ Media is clearly on the cutting edge of this movement.’
‘Pascal and Isabelle will make a huge contribution to VIZ Media Europe,’ explains John Easum, President/GĆ©rant of VIZ Media Europe. ‘Both are seasoned experts with a broad range of international experience and leadership skills. Pascal brings with him vast experience in the video game and toy industries. Isabelle has a long track record of success building television sales with leading entertainment companies. Pascal and Isabelle will be responsible for driving VIZ Media Europe’s growth and brand strategies for a variety of new properties for all demographics.’