Sanrio, known for the Hello Kitty and Friends brand, is naming a new Chief Brand Officer for its U.S. and Americas branch.
As of July 1, Jill Koch, formerly senior vice president (SVP) of Brand at Sanrio, is continuing to serve the brand under her new title, leading the company to further evolve into a multi-platform entertainment and lifestyle brand.
As SVP of Brand, Koch led the development of the Hello Kitty YouTube channel, the brand’s first Roblox experience, and oversaw the development of the award-winning game Hello Kitty Island Adventure. In this new role, Koch will continue to operate from the company’s North American headquarters in Los Angeles, reporting to CEO Craig Takiguchi, and working closely with Sanrio’s global headquarters in Tokyo.
Koch shares her thoughts: “I’m incredibly honored to step into this role at such an exciting time for Sanrio. Our characters have created meaningful emotional connections with fans for generations, and I’m excited to continue building on those connections by creating new ways for people to experience the brand. Whether through entertainment, experiences, or everyday moments, we have an incredible opportunity to bring even more people together while staying true to the friendship, kindness, and inclusivity that have always defined Sanrio.”
Takiguchi adds: “Jill Koch has been a true force behind Sanrio’s growth in North America over the past two decades. Throughout our evolution, there has been one constant — Jill has been at the heart of defining our brand while consistently anticipating the cultural trends shaping each new generation. There is nobody more dedicated, passionate, or uniquely qualified to lead our brand into the future.”
For more information on the latest in all things Sanrio, visit sanrio.com.
