Animation studio ZAG is growing its consumer products team. The company this week announced the promotion of Lisa K. Foster to senior vice president of licensing, plus two new hires.
Foster joined the company in September 2020, contributing to over 60 new licensing partners for its flagship Miraculous: Tales of Ladybug & Cat Noir brand. She will continue to develop licensing strategy in North America for Miraculous and the studio’s newest property, Ghostforce.
She reports directly to EVP, global operations and head of global consumer products Julian Zag.
“Lisa is passionate about the Miraculous brand and how fans of all ages want to engage with the stories and characters that we continue to create,” said Zag. “She’s done a phenomenal job identifying and securing best-in-class partners in the U.S. who will start rolling out products this fall and spring 2022.”
Meanwhile, Monique Daggett and Freddie Ordóñez join the company as licensing manager and licensing attorney, respectively.
Daggett comes to ZAG from previous roles as assistant licensing manager at Disney Consumer Products, associate licensing manager at MGA Entertainment, senior marketing specialist at Disguise, and marketing coordinator at JAKKS Pacific. In her new position, she reports to Foster.
As the new content distribution and licensing attorney, Ordóñez brings experience working with various media and entertainment companies, including FOX Television, NBC/Telemundo, Turner Broadcasting (now WarnerMedia), Olympusat, and up-and-coming media start-ups. He reports to ZAG’s SVP, head of legal and litigation, Benjamin C. Johnson.
The new appointments join amid a retail expansion program for Miraculous — led by vice president of North America retail Sarah Boyer — which will see the toy line from ZAG Lab and Playmates hit shelves at brick-and-mortar stores. The line initially launched in spring 2021 on e-commerce platforms including Walmart, Target, and Kohls.
The Miraculous franchise now spans four seasons — with a fifth one underway — an upcoming animated feature film, and a to-be-announced spin-0ff series. More Miraculous merchandise from new licensees will roll out starting spring 2022 and into 2023.
Foster noted that the Miraculous retail expansion will be aimed not only at its core fan base of 6 to 12-year-olds, but also young adult fans who engage with the show through cosplay and social media.
“The Miraculous brand DNA represents female empowerment and diversity. The timing is optimal for our new products from best-in-class partners to be hitting retail shelves across North America,” said Foster. “I’m thrilled to be spearheading the expansion of this truly special brand, and to have Monique join us at this incredibly exciting time – she brings a unique skill set and positive attitude that will help us to continue to grow our North American program.”