VIZ Media, a leading global distributor of manga and anime, has announced a significant leadership change with Ken Sasaki transitioning to the role of Chairman & Executive Advisor and Brad Woods stepping into the position of President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO). This strategic shift signals a new phase in the company's journey as it reinforces its dominance in bringing Japanese pop culture to the global stage.

Ken Sasaki: A Visionary Leader in Japanese Pop Culture

Transforming VIZ Media's Global Reach

For over 13 years, Ken Sasaki served as the CEO of VIZ Media, during which he transformed the company from a niche publisher into a major force in bringing manga and anime to mainstream audiences across North America, Europe, and Australia. His leadership helped establish strategic partnerships, advance digital platforms, and propel the global popularity of manga and anime, especially in markets like the United States, UK, and Australia.

Sasaki’s business acumen was backed by an MBA from Stanford and a Bachelor’s in Engineering from Keio University. He had extensive experience working across both Japan and the United States, making him uniquely positioned to bridge the cultural gap between Japan’s entertainment industry and global audiences.

Leaving a Lasting Legacy

"What we've built at VIZ Media is nothing short of extraordinary," said Sasaki. "Manga and anime have become global phenomena, and VIZ is at the center of this movement. With Brad Woods taking the lead, VIZ is poised to expand its influence in ways the industry has never seen before."

Brad Woods: Leading VIZ Media into a New Era

A Wealth of Experience

Taking over as President and CEO, Brad Woods brings with him more than 25 years of experience in entertainment, marketing, and brand strategy. Woods is no stranger to VIZ Media, having been with the company for a decade and playing a key role in its efforts to elevate manga and anime to the mainstream. He has been instrumental in expanding the company’s footprint in areas such as publishing, streaming, digital media, and consumer products.

Woods' vast leadership experience extends beyond VIZ Media, with past roles at Mattel, DreamWorks, and Warner Bros. Entertainment, where he was deeply involved in franchise expansion and digital transformation. He holds an MBA from USC's Marshall School of Business and a BS from the University of Arizona.

Vision for the Future

"Anime and manga are no longer niche—they are global cultural forces shaping entertainment, fashion, gaming, and beyond," said Woods. "With VIZ Media's unparalleled catalog and commitment to innovation, we are poised to reach broader audiences and set new industry standards. I'm honored to lead VIZ into this next chapter."

Looking Ahead

With Ken Sasaki transitioning into his new role as Chairman and Executive Advisor, he will continue to guide the company's strategic direction as VIZ Media aims for even greater global expansion and industry influence. Under Brad Woods' leadership, VIZ Media is poised to strengthen its position in the global entertainment landscape, continuing to be at the forefront of manga and anime, setting new trends, and pushing the boundaries of creativity and innovation.

The leadership transition at VIZ Media marks the end of an era of transformative growth under Ken Sasaki's leadership, while Brad Woods prepares to lead the company into the next stage of its journey. With their shared vision and expertise, VIZ Media is positioned for even greater success in shaping the future of Japanese pop culture globally.

NielsenIQ (NIQ) has released its latest report, Finding Harmony on the Shelf: 2025 Global Outlook on Private Label & Branded Products, providing valuable insights into global consumer preferences and the driving forces behind the growing demand for private labels and branded products. This report highlights essential trends for retailers and Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) manufacturers to understand and adapt to in order to navigate the increasingly competitive retail environment.

Trends Shaping Consumer Preferences

Private Label Growth and Changing Perceptions

The report reveals that 53% of global consumers are purchasing more private label products, driven by a shift in consumer perceptions about the quality and value of these alternatives to branded products. Notably, 68% of respondents now see private labels as a good alternative to branded products, and 69% believe private labels offer good value. This marks a significant shift from past stigmas, making private labels a compelling choice for cost-conscious consumers.

Resurgence of Top Global Brands

While private labels are growing, the top 10 global brands also saw a resurgence in sales momentum in 2024, proving that both private label and branded products have strong potential in today's market. The top global brands experienced a 4.8% increase in sales, slightly outpacing private labels, which saw a 4.3% increase year-on-year.

Regional Differences

Consumer preferences are regionally diverse. For example, consumers in Egypt are more likely to prefer private labels, while those in South Korea are less likely to view private labels as acceptable substitutes for branded products. These regional nuances underscore the importance of tailored strategies for both private label and branded goods.

Strategies for Growth: Harmonizing Private Label & Branded Products

Private Label Strategies for Success

• Brand Halo Effect: Proximity to well-known brands can enhance the appeal of private labels. Consumers tend to trust private labels more when they perceive them as high-quality, which can boost sales.

• Price Anchoring: Branded products often carry a 26% premium over private labels, which can motivate consumers to opt for the value-driven choice of private labels, particularly when they offer comparable quality.

Branded Products Strategies for Success

• Increased Footfall: Many consumers trust brands more when they are associated with reputable retailers. NIQ data shows that top retailers in the UK have successfully driven growth in both branded and private label products.

• Market Expansion: In specific categories like fresh coffee and buffets, private labels have accounted for significant growth. These opportunities can be leveraged by large brands to expand their market presence, focusing on areas where private labels are increasing category adoption.

Insights for Retailers and Manufacturers

• Collaboration for Growth: Both manufacturers and retailers must find creative ways to collaborate, aligning their efforts to capture the shifting consumer attention. Working together on co-promotion strategies can drive overall category growth and expand consumer bases for both private label and branded products.

• Consumer Sentiment: Positive consumer sentiment, particularly the growing appreciation of private labels as high-quality, affordable alternatives, positions the retail sector for significant opportunities. Retailers are encouraged to strike a balance between premium-branded products and private labels to optimize their product offerings and meet evolving consumer demands.

The NielsenIQ report underscores the importance of adaptation and collaboration for both retailers and manufacturers in the face of evolving consumer preferences. As global consumers continue to evolve their shopping habits and navigate economic uncertainties, the ability to offer a diverse mix of high-quality private label and branded products will be key to capturing consumer attention and driving sales. The outlook for both product categories remains strong, provided that stakeholders embrace innovation and strategically position their offerings to meet the demands of a rapidly changing retail landscape.

RDA has officially become Storyblok’s first Platinum Partner in the United States, further solidifying its role in delivering scalable, flexible, and future-proof digital solutions. This partnership allows businesses to mitigate risks, optimize costs, and enhance digital experiences with efficiency.

With a strategy-driven approach, RDA enables organizations to accelerate digital transformation, significantly reducing time-to-market and implementation efforts through AI-powered consulting and cloud-based platforms.

The Power of the RDA-Storyblok Partnership

1. Delivering Scalable and Efficient Digital Solutions

• RDA’s Platinum Partner status reinforces its expertise in implementing modern digital experiences.

• Businesses gain the flexibility to scale operations while ensuring cost-effective implementations.

• The partnership enables seamless content management and a superior user experience.

2. Accelerating Digital Transformation with AI and Cloud

• RDA’s approach reduces implementation times by 40%-60%, accelerating time-to-market by 50%.

• AI-driven consulting models help organizations streamline workflows and eliminate inefficiencies.

• Cloud-based platforms ensure businesses remain agile, future-proof, and competitive.

3. Storyblok's Vision for a Seamless CMS Experience

• Storyblok aims to empower businesses with a flexible, scalable content management system.

• The collaboration enhances digital experiences by combining RDA’s expertise with Storyblok’s innovative CMS platform.

• Enterprises can create and manage high-performance web solutions with greater ease and efficiency.

"At Storyblok, we believe in empowering businesses with the flexibility and scalability they need to build outstanding digital experiences. Partnering with RDA strengthens this mission by combining their deep technical expertise with a joyful CMS experience, enabling enterprises to deliver seamless, high-performance web solutions. Together, we are redefining how businesses create and manage content in a truly dynamic and efficient way." – Dominik Angerer, CEO, Storyblok

Commitment to Digital Transformation Excellence

4. RDA’s Dedication to Scalable Growth and Innovation

• RDA is focused on helping businesses move away from legacy CMS limitations.

• Its commitment to digital transformation ensures agility, efficiency, and long-term sustainability.

• Achieving Platinum Partner status reflects its dedication to providing cutting-edge digital experiences.

"As a digital consultancy dedicated to driving real digital transformation, we continuously seek modern platforms that empower our clients with scalability, flexibility, and rapid growth. RDA is thrilled to become Storyblok's first Platinum Partner in the United States, and we look forward to helping organizations break free from legacy CMS limitations and embrace a more agile, future-proof approach." – Matt Forsyth, President & CEO, RDA

Vision to Victory: A Strategic Approach

5. A Framework for Accelerated Digital Transformation

• RDA’s proprietary Vision to Victory framework helps organizations align leadership and define priorities.

• Businesses gain a strategic roadmap within 60 days, ensuring a clear path to digital success.

• The framework drives quick wins, maximizes impact, and seamlessly transitions from planning to execution.

RDA’s recognition as Storyblok’s first Platinum Partner in the U.S. marks a significant milestone in digital transformation. Through AI-driven consulting, cloud-based platforms, and a commitment to innovation, RDA continues to empower businesses with scalable, efficient, and future-ready digital solutions.

In today’s fast-evolving digital marketing landscape, success hinges on innovation, strategic execution, and data-driven decision-making. 88gravity has emerged as a market leader by setting new performance benchmarks, earning recognition from top digital marketing agencies in London.

By combining cutting-edge technology with analytical precision, 88gravity helps businesses across industries achieve sustained growth, audience engagement, and competitive market positioning.

Digital Marketing Expertise of 88gravity

88gravity specializes in a wide array of services, empowering brands with tailored digital solutions:

1. Strategy Consulting & Brand Identity Development

• Builds strong, recognizable brand identities that resonate with target audiences.

• Aligns marketing strategies with long-term business objectives.

2. SEO & Performance Marketing

• Implements data-driven SEO strategies to enhance visibility and organic reach.

• Uses AI-powered ad targeting to maximize ROI through high-impact campaigns.

3. Conversion Optimization & UI/UX Design

• Enhances user experience to improve engagement and drive higher conversion rates.

• Leverages analytics to refine website and landing page performance.

4. Social Media Management & Customer Engagement

• Develops personalized content strategies for different social media platforms.

• Uses automation and AI to optimize audience engagement.

Expanding Digital Horizons with 88gravity

As a trusted digital marketing partner, 88gravity provides essential services to brands worldwide, ensuring market entry success, seamless digital optimization, and superior customer experiences.

Through AI-powered data analytics, automation, and customized marketing methodologies, the agency drives brands toward industry leadership.

"At 88gravity, we embrace transformation and modern marketing approaches to help our clients lead market trends." – Depreet Singh Uppal, Co-founder & CEO

Innovation at the Core of 88gravity

5. AI-Driven Marketing & Data Analytics

• Utilizes machine learning to enhance ad targeting and campaign performance.

• Integrates predictive analytics for data-driven marketing decisions.

6. Immersive Storytelling & Programmatic Advertising

• Crafts compelling brand narratives through innovative storytelling techniques.

• Employs programmatic advertising for high-precision, cost-effective ad placements.

7. Hyper-Personalized Content & Automation

• Develops AI-driven personalization strategies to enhance customer engagement.

• Uses marketing automation to optimize campaign performance.

A Trusted Partner for Global Brands

With a diverse portfolio spanning retail, finance, healthcare, and technology, 88gravity offers tailored digital marketing solutions that drive measurable results.

The agency’s reputation for excellence makes it a preferred choice for businesses looking to:

• Enhance lead generation and improve conversion rates.

• Establish a strong online presence through SEO and digital advertising.

• Optimize customer engagement with data-backed marketing strategies.

Depreet Singh Uppal: A Visionary Leader in Digital Marketing

8. A Pioneer in Digital Transformation

• Over 13 years of expertise in digital brand development and strategy.

• Leads innovative campaigns utilizing AI, voice search optimization, and hyper-targeted content.

9. Building an Ecosystem for Digital Success

• Creates more than just marketing strategies—develops a comprehensive brand ecosystem.

• Uses breakthrough methods and statistical analysis to drive business growth.

"At 88gravity, we don't just build digital strategies—we craft ecosystems that drive brand success in the digital-first economy." – Depreet Singh Uppal, CEO

88gravity is redefining the digital marketing landscape with AI-driven insights, immersive storytelling, and data-backed strategies. By blending innovation with expertise, the agency continues to set new standards for brand success in competitive markets.

Deevid.ai, a rising innovator in AI-driven creative tools, has officially launched its AI Video Generator, a cutting-edge platform that enables users to produce high-quality videos effortlessly. By leveraging text prompts, images, and existing footage, Deevid.ai eliminates the need for complex editing software, making professional video creation accessible to all.

Designed for content creators, marketers, educators, and businesses, this all-in-one AI tool streamlines the video production process, reducing the time and expertise required to generate visually compelling content.

"With Deevid.ai, we wanted to make video creation as effortless as writing a paragraph or uploading a picture," said Jaffery, Founder & CEO of Deevid.ai.
"Our AI Video Generator removes the friction in content creation, helping anyone bring their ideas to life instantly and beautifully."

Features of Deevid.ai's AI Video Generator

1. AI-Powered Video Creation

• Text to Video AI: Input a script or idea, and the AI automatically generates a video with animated scenes, transitions, and visuals.

• Image to Video AI: Transform static images into dynamic, motion-driven videos with AI-powered storytelling.

• Video to Video AI: Enhance, stylize, or modify existing footage to create new, engaging video outputs.

2. Extensive Template Library

• Access hundreds of professionally designed templates optimized for:

  • Social media content

  • Advertisements & promotions

  • Business presentations

  • Educational materials

  • Popular AI-driven effects, such as AI Kissing

3. Intuitive User Interface & Workflow

• Designed for both beginners and professionals, the platform offers:

  • Simple drag-and-drop functionality

  • Automated scene generation

  • Instant previews and easy refinements

4. AI-Driven Innovation & Future Roadmap

• Deevid.ai is committed to continuous innovation, with upcoming features including:

  • Multilingual support for global content creation.

  • AI-powered voice synthesis for custom narration.

  • Advanced personalization tools for tailored video experiences.

Why Deevid.ai is a Game-Changer

• Saves hours of manual editing by automating the video production process.

• Eliminates the need for technical expertise, making professional content accessible to all.

• Empowers creators, brands, and educators to generate high-quality videos with minimal effort.

Deevid.ai’s AI Video Generator is revolutionizing content creation by simplifying video production without compromising quality. Whether for marketing, education, or entertainment, users can now generate stunning videos in minutes, harnessing the power of AI to bring their creative ideas to life effortlessly.

Axle AI, a leader in AI-driven media asset management (MAM), has partnered with Archiware, a pioneer in data management and archiving, to launch an optimized media workflow solution for the latest Apple M4 Mac Mini and Mac Studio. This seamless integration enhances AI-powered media search, automated metadata tagging, and efficient archiving, unlocking new possibilities for creative professionals.

This powerful AI-media workflow will be showcased at NAB Conference in April, where media professionals can explore its impact on storage management, archiving, and AI automation.

Features of Axle AI & Archiware’s AI-Powered Workflow

1. AI-Driven Media Asset Management

• Instant media search powered by AI metadata extraction.

• Smart tagging for videos, images, and documents, enabling quick discovery.

• Machine learning models for speech transcription, face recognition, and scene understanding.

2. Seamless Archiving & Restoration

• Archive and retrieve media files directly from the Axle AI interface.

• Store media on LTO tape, disk, or cloud using Archiware P5 Archive.

• Automate media movement between disk, tape, and cloud with Archiware P5 Data Mover.

3. Optimized Performance with Apple M4 Silicon

• Enhanced processing speeds for AI-based inferencing and metadata tagging.

• Faster media indexing and search through advanced Apple M4 GPU acceleration.

• Energy-efficient workflows, improving overall storage and archive performance.

4. Future-Proof Archiving & Storage Management

• Reduce cloud storage costs by leveraging Archiware P5’s scalable archiving solutions.

• Secure long-term media preservation with automated backup and retrieval.

• Monetize archived media by making stored assets searchable and accessible.

The Power of AI & Reliable Archiving in Media Workflows

"As AI-driven media workflows continue to evolve, efficiently searching and archiving vast media libraries is more crucial than ever. Our collaboration with Archiware provides a high-performance, AI-powered solution that helps creative teams organize, discover, and preserve their media effortlessly. By integrating Axle AI’s technology on the latest Apple hardware, we’re making intelligent media management and future-proof archiving more accessible and efficient than ever," said Sam Bogoch, CEO of Axle AI.

"Combining powerful and flexible asset management with our P5 Archive creates a complete solution that becomes the file memory of the company. Referencing, reuse, and monetization of existing assets becomes quick and easy," said Marc Batschkus, Director of Marketing & Business Development at Archiware.

Axle AI and Archiware’s AI-powered media workflow, optimized for Apple M4 Mac Mini and Mac Studio, redefines media asset management and archiving. This collaboration enables faster, smarter, and more cost-effective solutions for creative teams, ensuring they stay ahead in the evolving digital media landscape.

PostcardMania, a $119 million marketing technology leader, has expanded its direct mail automation capabilities through PCM Integrations (PCMi) by introducing snap pack mailers. These high-response mail pieces are designed to help businesses increase open rates, maximize return on investment, and streamline CRM-driven direct mail campaigns.

With a 95% open rate and a trusted, official appearance, snap pack mailers have proven to outperform many digital channels, making them a cost-effective and results-driven solution for businesses across industries.

What Are Snap Pack Mailers?

Snap pack mailers are perforated, sealed mail pieces designed to resemble official government correspondence. Their urgent and secure format increases trust and response rates, making them a highly effective marketing tool.

Benefits of Snap Pack Mailers:

• 95% Open Rate – Higher than traditional direct mail and digital marketing.

• Increases Trust – 76% of consumers trust direct mail over online ads.

• Enhances Response Rates – Encourages engagement with personalized messaging.

• Cost-Effective – More affordable than rising digital ad costs.

• Easy CRM Integration – Automate mailings based on customer interactions.

Industries That Benefit the Most

While snap pack mailers can be used across multiple industries, they are especially effective in:

• Insurance – Policy renewal notices, promotional offers.

• Real Estate – Lead generation, mortgage opportunities.

• Finance – Loan applications, credit offers.

• Healthcare – Patient reminders, appointment confirmations.

PCM Integrations: Transforming Direct Mail Automation

PCM Integrations (PCMi), PostcardMania’s multi-million-dollar division, specializes in trigger-based direct mail solutions, allowing businesses to automate mailings directly from their CRMs, websites, or other platforms.

How PCMi’s Direct Mail Automation Works:

• Triggered Mailings – Automatically send mail when customers take actions (e.g., requesting a quote, becoming a lead).

• Scalable Solutions – Mail a few postcards or thousands with minimal setup.

• High ROI – Businesses pay only for what they send, making it an affordable growth tool.

PostcardMania’s Unprecedented Growth

PostcardMania continues to dominate the direct mail industry, driven by the resurgence of trusted, high-performing offline marketing strategies.

2024 Performance Highlights:

• 54.8% increase in revenue for PCMi.

• 89% growth in total mailing volume.

• 110% increase in new customer adoption.

• $119M total revenue, achieving record-breaking success.

As digital ad costs continue to rise, PostcardMania’s snap pack mailers and direct mail automation provide businesses with a trusted, high-ROI alternative. By leveraging PCMi’s smart CRM integrations, businesses of all sizes can enhance engagement, drive sales, and achieve sustained growth.

Digital Element, a global leader in IP geolocation technology, has announced the integration of France’s IRIS (Ilots Regroupées pour l'Information Statistique) dataset into its Alternate Area Database (AADB). This development significantly improves IP-based location targeting, allowing businesses to enhance advertising precision, security, and analytics while maintaining privacy compliance.

The IRIS dataset, developed by France’s National Institute of Statistics, divides France into 49,000 statistical units, each representing approximately 2,000 individuals. By incorporating this dataset, Digital Element provides granular, privacy-first geolocation insights that move beyond traditional postal codes.

What Is the IRIS Dataset?

IRIS is a geospatial framework designed to enhance statistical reporting and demographic analysis across France’s mainland and overseas territories. Unlike postal codes, IRIS units offer a more localized and demographically balanced approach to regional segmentation.

Benefits of IRIS Integration

1. Enhanced Targeted Advertising

• Enables location-based ad delivery using locally relevant geographic units.

• Improves campaign accuracy by aligning with cultural and regional boundaries.

• Helps marketers optimize engagement and conversion rates in French territories.

2. Strengthened Cybersecurity

• Identifies high-risk geographic zones for fraud prevention.

• Enhances security intelligence by mapping threats to specific regions.

• Supports global cybersecurity strategies without violating privacy regulations.

3. Privacy-First Data Insights

• Aggregated data ensures compliance with GDPR and other privacy standards.

• Avoids personalized tracking while still offering meaningful geographic insights.

• Maintains user anonymity while enabling better business decision-making.

Alternate Area Database (AADB): A New Standard in Geolocation

Digital Element’s AADB solution enhances geolocation precision by grouping IP addresses into regional statistical zones rather than relying solely on postal codes.

Advantages of AADB for Businesses

• Localized audience insights without requiring physical presence in France.

• More precise location-based services for e-commerce, finance, and digital media.

• Supports international expansion with regional geolocation strategies.

Future Expansion: Germany on the Roadmap

The successful integration of IRIS marks the first step in Digital Element’s mission to expand privacy-first geolocation intelligence worldwide. Germany is the next country on the roadmap, signaling further advancements in alternative geographic segmentation.

With the addition of France’s IRIS dataset, Digital Element is setting a new standard for IP geolocation accuracy, security, and marketing effectiveness. By leveraging privacy-compliant, location-based insights, businesses can improve audience targeting, enhance cybersecurity, and optimize international strategies—without relying on personal data.