BURBANK, Calif. & TOKYO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Masami Takahashi has been named President, Warner Bros. Japan, it was announced today by Kevin Tsujihara, Chairman and CEO, Warner Bros.
In his new role, which he will assume September 1, Takahashi will have general oversight of all of Warner Bros.’ businesses in Japan, including theatrical distribution, television distribution, home entertainment, consumer products, games, and local production. He will work closely with in-place executives in each of these divisions as well as divisional management to fully optimize every opportunity to grow Warner Bros.’ operations in Japan. Takahashi will also work closely with Warner Bros. veteran Millard Ochs, who after serving as President, Warner Bros. Japan the last 21 months, will segue into an advisory role with the company.
“Japan is a vital territory for Warner Bros., and Masami is a great choice to help us continue our history of growth and success there,” said Tsujihara. “He’s well-connected, well-respected and has a track record of creativity and innovation that will take our Japanese operations to the next level.”
“I would also like to thank Millard for his great leadership and guidance in implementing our ‘one company’ philosophy and creating a collaborative synergistic working spirit across Warner Bros. Japan. The results have been tangible and valuable.”
“I’m excited and honored by the opportunity to lead Warner Bros. Japan,” said Takahashi. “We have the best entertainment properties, a great team and a lot of opportunity in the marketplace. Working together, we can continue Warner Bros. Japan’s history of excellence while growing our overall business.”
Takahashi most recently served as Vice President, Group Marketing, a role he assumed upon joining Warner Bros. in August 2015. Prior to Warner Bros., Takahashi spent 11 years at The Walt Disney Company, most recently serving as Executive Director, Head of Japan Studio Marketing. Before Disney, Takahashi served as Vice President and General Manager of the Console Division of Electronic Arts KK in Japan. He’s also held posts at Coca-Cola Japan and the advertising agency Leo Burnett (Kyodo) Company Ltd.