Press release from Toei Animation:

TOKYO, Japan -- Toei Animation announced that it has appointed Iriya Azuma Director, Global Licensing Business Department.

In his new role as Director, Global Licensing Business Department, Azuma will direct international licensing strategies for its top brands.

Azuma, who joined Toei Animation in 1986, has produced some of the company’s most iconic series, including Sailor Moon and Toei’s first series aimed at an older audience, The Legend of the Gambler – TETSUYA. After serving as Executive Vice President at Toei Animation Inc. (TAI), he oversaw development of the mobile websites for its popular brands, Dragon Ball Z and Slam Dunk.

“Toei’s consumer products are as historic as the properties themselves,” said Azuma. “I look forward to opening up licensing programs in new territories while maintaining ingenuity in top markets like the U.S. and Latin America.”