LA-based VFX studio Saffronic has hired an Executive Creative Director, soon after Skyler Mattson was named CEO.

Animation specialist Kevin J. Johnson has landed the role at the company, which launched last year and has been following a global expansion strategy since then.

Johnson has worked in animation for three decades and was most recently Supervising Director at Universal 1440 Entertainment on the final four seasons of Curious George.

At Saffronic, he will work closely with Kristy Scanlan, the company’s recently appointed SVP of Business Development, to foster relationships with new and existing clients. He’ll lead on communication of creative vision, concepts, ideas, and solutions to stakeholders, internal teams, and clients, and lead ongoing productions.

The digital marketing veteran will spearhead long-term growth strategies for the VFX studio as it aims to meet a growing demand for animation services.

In her new role, Mattson will oversee and develop Saffronic’s growth in animation, video games and advertising.

Mattson has spent the last 21 years serving as president of LA-based marketing and consumer insights agency WongDoody. During her tenure there, she directed the company’s sales and marketing operations, growing the agency from 100 employees to more than 2,000 working in offices across the US, India, Australia and London.