Spiralcute announced the appointment of a new senior leadership team to drive its expanding global business.

The international team is headed by experienced global executive Kate Schlomann reporting to Taro Morishima, Chief Executive Officer and President of Spiralcute International. Kate’s franchise leadership team includes Hazel Brown, Nicola Herrmann and Jennifer Sandberg. Together they will focus on end-to-end franchise management, securing best-in-class partners, building lifestyle brands and nurturing retail partnerships worldwide.

The appointments coincide with the opening of a new Spiralcute International office in Los Angeles later this summer, further strengthening the company’s growing global footprint.

Artist-driven character management agency Spiralcute is renowned for crafting unique, emotionally resonant “sophisti-cute” brands that share heart, humour and joy with the world. The launch of Spiralcute International will bring its most beloved brands – including Chiikawa, Mofusand, and Koupen Chan – to new markets.

Kate Schlomann takes up the role of EVP Business Development and Operations, overseeing business operations including strategy, licensing and partnerships, brand franchise management, retail, integrated marketing, creative product development, and overall operational efficiencies, ensuring the expansion of Spiralcute’s licensing portfolio and overall global footprint.

With over 25 years of experience as a global leader in brand franchise management, content, licensing, toys, retail, and strategic partnerships spanning various industries, including TV platforms, movie studios, toy companies, and production houses, Kate has a deep understanding of the industry and a proven track record of creating, launching and transforming brands. Her previous leadership roles include Mattel, HIT Entertainment, FremantleMedia, Nickelodeon & Viacom Consumer Products, NBCUniversal, Boat Rocker Studios and most recently founder of BrandHive Global Inc.

Hazel Brown, VP Retail Development & Brand Partnerships, is a global licensing executive specialising in building and scaling character-driven IP across multiple formats. She was Vice President of Retail Development and Marketing at NBCUniversal.

Nicola Herrmann, VP Brand Franchise Management and Marketing, has a wealth of experience in brand management and marketing. Where she was previously VP Brand Management and Licensing (UK, Aus and EMEA) at Boat Rocker Studios, in her 20+ years in the industry she has also held roles at FremantleMedia, Nickelodeon & Viacom Consumer Products and HIT Entertainment.

Jennifer Sandberg, VP Product Development & Asset Management, has over 25 years of experience across the entire product development lifecycle, leading product development, asset management & brand assurance. Working on brands from NBC Universal, Supercell, Dreamworks, WildBrain CPLG and Miramax.

Kate Schlomann said:

“I’m delighted to be leading such a talented and passionate team as we launch Spiralcute International. Together, we’ll focus on bringing the joy, charm and creativity of Spiralcute’s characters to existing and new fans around the world. I’m excited to establish our new international base and to work with our partners across content, licensing, retail and experiences to build these brands into long-lasting global franchises.”

Founded in Japan in 2009, Spiralcute adopts an artist-first approach centred on its core values of creativity, fans and joy. Its portfolio of brands including: Chiikawa, a cultural icon bringing joy, comfort and connection worldwide; Mofusand, the beloved cat-themed brand taking Asia by storm; and Koupen Chan, the encouraging penguin who brings positivity to fans globally – are now set to make further connections worldwide as the new LA office builds an international home for Spiralcute and further strengthens its global footprint.