Spiralcute announced the appointment of Liesa Dornan to the role of VP Business Development – UK, Europe & Middle East, as the company continues its global expansion.

Reporting to Kate Schlomann, EVP Business Development & Operations, Liesa will lead the licensing and consumer products business across the EMEA region, working closely with Spiralcute’s network of agents, consultants across the territory. She will be responsible for driving regional revenue growth, expanding market presence, securing strategic licensing partnerships, and maximising franchise value across Spiralcute’s portfolio of entertainment and consumer brands.

A vastly experienced international licensing and retail strategist and proven franchise leader, Liesa has an enviable track record in driving growth for global brands including Marvel, Disney, Jurassic World and Minions. She joins Spiralcute from Mob Entertainment, where she was Head of International Licensing. Prior to that she spent almost six years at Retail Monster Ltd as VP International Licensing and Brand Management, following four years as Director of European Retail at Universal and two-and-a-half years at The Walt Disney Company, where she was EMEA Franchise Manager.

Kate Schlomann, Spiralcute International said:

“We are delighted to welcome Liesa to the Spiralcute family. A dynamic and passionate addition to our team, her wealth of business experience, innovation and in-depth knowledge of these regions will be invaluable as we continue to expand worldwide.”

Liesa Dornan said: “I am excited to get started working on the wonderful Spiralcute brands. They have such warmth, charm and creativity and I’m really looking forward to working with our existing and new partners across the UK and EMEA to help build them into long-lasting global franchises.”

Founded in Japan in 2009, 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. Currently embarking on a programme of global expansion, it recently opened a new Spiralcute International office in Los Angeles to bring its most beloved 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 – to new markets.