Rakuten Viki Appoints Sony Alum Mark Jocson

Rakuten Viki has hired Emmy winner Mark Jocson, a former Sony exec, as senior VP of strategic initiatives and business development, effective immediately.

In his newly created position, Jocson will work under Joanne Waage, the company’s CEO. He will create strategic partnerships to further the growth of Rakuten Viki’s brands. He will initially concentrate on CREATED by Viki, an influencer-driven short-form content arm, and Soompi, a global news and community site dedicated to Korean pop culture.

Before this appointment, Jocson served as the senior VP of digital media and games at Sony Pictures Television Networks. Earlier in his career, he was the director of digital media for Disney Channels Worldwide.

“Joining the team at Rakuten Viki is an amazing career opportunity, which places me at the heart of the future of entertainment and technology,” said Jocson. “The Rakuten group of companies is an ideal incubator for digital-first products, where Viki has been a leader in developing highly engaged and community-driven products like Soompi and CREATED by Viki. I am thrilled to lead its growth through new partnerships, meaningful storytelling and expansion into new verticals.”

“Mark is a proven pioneer in the digital media and entertainment industry, and his expertise, strategic thinking and creative vision aligns perfectly with Viki’s long-term goals,” added Waage. “His ability to execute and lead streaming and gaming businesses will be key to our global growth through strategic partnerships, distribution and new business lines.”