VIZ Media, a leading company in the manga and anime industry, has announced a vital leadership change.
Ken Sasaki will transition to the Chairman and Executive Advisor role, while Brad Woods has been appointed President and CEO.
Sasaki has served as CEO for the past 13 years, transforming VIZ Media from a niche publisher into a prominent force in Japanese pop culture in the West. In his new position as Chairman and Executive Advisor, he will continue to guide the company’s strategic direction as it embarks on its next phase of global expansion.
What we’ve built at VIZ Media is nothing short of extraordinary. 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."
Brad Woods, the newly appointed President and CEO, has been with VIZ Media for more than a decade and brings over 25 years of experience in entertainment, marketing, and brand strategy. He has also held leadership positions at Mattel, DreamWorks, and Warner Bros. Entertainment, which makes him well-suited for this new role.
Anime and manga are no longer niche — they are global cultural forces shaping entertainment, fashion, gaming, and beyond. 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.”
For more information about VIZ Media and its leadership, visit viz.com.
