The global independent animation studio, ZAG has bolstered its senior executive once more, with the appointment of Lisa K. Foster to the role of vice president, licensing, North America. The announcement was made by Julian Zag, EVP, of global operations at the firm.
In her new role, Foster will report directly to Kirk Bloomgarden, the company’s SVP of global licensing, and will work alongside Rebekah Belzer in her own new position as VP, new business and retail development. Both Foster and Belzer will work to develop and execute the US consumer prodiucts strategy for the properties under the ZAG Heroez label.
“We are at unprecedented time of growth at ZAG, with seasons four and five of Miraculous currently in production, as well as two big-budget animated specials to be available globally (except for Brazil and China) this fall and next Spring on Disney Channel and Disney+, and a major US$70m theatrical release,” said Zag.
“Our new brand, Power Players, is airing around the globe, and Ghostforce, is currently in production for Disney Channel EMEA, TF1, and Discovery Kids Latin America.
“Our new content, together with the commitment of our global broadcasters, has made a significant impact on our licensing business around the world, and this is the perfect time to bolster our team. Lisa brings over 25 years of licensing and brand management experience in the toy and entertainment industries to her new role, and we are confident that she will be a great addition to our team.”
ZAG’s flagship brand, Miraculous™: Tales of Ladybug & Cat Noir, sold over 150M products during the past three years. Seasons four and five are currently in production, as well as two big-budget animated specials to be available globally (except for Brazil and China) on Disney Channel and Disney+, and a major US$70m theatrical release.
Additionally, season three of the series launches this summer and fall around the world. Seasons one and two currently air in key territories, consistently ranking number one in the UK, France, Spain, Italy, Poland, Brazil and Mexico, and top-ranked in the U.S. on Disney Channel.
Meanwhile, a new toy line from Zag Lab and Playmates Toys for Power Players recently debuted in the US. Power Players currently airs on Cartoon Network US and in key territories across EMEA and Asia Pacific, is available for streaming on Netflix, and available on France’s France Télévisions, Germany’s KiKa, Brazil’s Gloob, and Discovery Latin America.
The company’s newest property, Ghostforce, is currently in production for Disney Channel EMEA, TF1, and Discovery Kids Latin America.
Before joining ZAG, Foster oversaw the licensed hardlines and publishing categories at MGA Entertainment. She was instrumental in launching the licensing program for L.O.L. Surprise!, and spearheaded licensing initiatives for Little Tikes together with several other brands in her five years with the company.
Prior, Foster was vice president of client services at boutique marketing and creative agency The Equinox Group. She joined Equinox in 2014 following a nine-year stint at Random House Children’s Books, serving as Director of Brand Management, and handling their portfolio of entertainment brands for top studios.
Foster began her career at Mattel in 1993, where over the course of her seven-year tenure she was responsible for leading the management of licensed categories and developing long-term strategic marketing plans for Barbie.
