Bristol, UK – Multi-award-winning independent animation studio Aardman has announced the appointment of CAA Brand Management, the licensing and consumer products division of leading entertainment and sports agency Creative Artists Agency (CAA) to handle its brand licensing, partnerships, live experiences and promotions programme in Japan and across the territories of China, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macau, effective 1st April .

The appointment reflects Aardman’s growing ambition in Asia; building on the strong awareness and increasing popularity of its brands, Shaun the Sheep and Wallace & Gromit, across the market.

CAA Brand Management, a premier brand development and management business, brings a wealth of experience across a wide range of sectors and services. The agency will oversee Aardman’s entire brand licensing business in these major territories, providing guidance  on local brand strategies across consumer products, digital and live events. The partnership will drive growth with new and untapped audiences and deepen existing engagement through a fan-focused strategy rooted in high-quality content, products and experiences. The appointment will strengthen Aardman’s presence in Asia whilst enhancing services and support for key licensing partners as well as attract new licensees to partner with its family of brands

Alison Taylor, Director of Licensing & Distribution, Aardman said:

“We’re incredibly excited to partner with CAA Brand Management across our key markets in Asia. Our brands already have a strong and loyal following in Japan and China, however this collaboration allows us to build on that momentum with a focused and local expertise. Together, we see significant opportunity to unlock new categories and partnerships, to help deepen consumer engagement and support sustainable, long-term growth across Asia.”

Romel Maranon, VP – Brand Management Asia, CAA Brand Management said:

“It’s an honor to join forces with Aardman and represent such beloved and iconic brands across Asia. We look forward to leveraging our regional expertise and global network to help Aardman reach new audiences and create meaningful connections with fans. Together, we’re committed to delivering innovative brand experiences and driving long-term growth for Shaun the Sheep, Wallace & Gromit, and the entire Aardman portfolio throughout these dynamic markets.”

The appointment follows Aardman’s recent expansion of its licensing and consumer products team with the promotion of Alison Taylor to the role of Director of Licensing & Distribution. CAA Brand Management will report into Alison Taylor and work with senior managers from across the Brand and Licensing team, including Ngaio Harding-Hill, Director of Attractions & Live Experiences; Kenny England Director of Digital, Social & Communities and Amy Pearson, Director of Brand Marketing & PR.

The Aardman licensing business was previously held by Tohokushinsha Film Corporation (TFC) in Japan and U-Young in China.

About Aardman
Aardman is an employee-owned company, based in Bristol (UK) and co-founded in 1976 by Peter Lord and David Sproxton. An independent, multi-Academy Award® and BAFTA® award winning studio, it produces feature films, series, advertising and interactive entertainment.

Its global productions are renowned for their uniquely entertaining and brilliantly characterised characters. The studio’s work – which includes the creation of much-loved characters including Wallace & Gromit, Shaun the Sheep, Timmy Time and Morph – is often imitated, and yet the company continues to lead the animation field producing a rare brand of visually stunning, comedic content for cinema, broadcasters, digital platforms and live experiences around the world.

2026 sees Aardman celebrate its 50th anniversary with a roster of events highlighting the craft and legacy of the studio, including the launch of a new movie, Shaun the Sheep: The Beast of Mossy Bottom in the autumn.

The studio runs the Aardman Academy, its world-class training facility delivering excellence in film and animation training and mentoring for students around the world. All courses are delivered by industry-leading tutors and mentors with decades of experience, and is an integral part of the business, representing the studio’s inclusive ethos and commitment to nurturing the animation talent of the future. www.aardman.com

About CAA Brand Management
CAA Brand Management is a premier brand development and management business, helping clients define and execute their strategic growth initiatives across a broad spectrum of consumer products. With more than three decades of operating experience in consumer product partnerships and licensing and offices spanning 20 countries worldwide, CAA Brand Management builds innovative, revenue-generating, brand extension programs for many of the world’s most iconic brands.

CAA Brand Management is a division of Creative Artists Agency (CAA), a leading entertainment and sports agency, with global expertise in filmed and live entertainment, digital media, publishing, sponsorship sales and endorsements, media finance, consumer investing, fashion, licensing, and philanthropy.  Distinguished by its culture of collaboration and exceptional client service, CAA’s diverse workforce identifies, innovates, and amplifies opportunities for the people and organizations that shape culture and inspire the world.

For more information, please visit: www.caabrandmanagement.com