New MD at MTV Networks Japan

TOKYO: Shigeo Numakura has been appointed senior VP and managing director of MTV Networks Japan, overseeing MTV, Nickelodeon, program sales and other businesses in the territory.

Effective September 1, Numakura will be responsible for overseeing management of all of MTV Networks International’s businesses in Japan including channels, digital media, program sales and consumer products. Based in the Tokyo headquarters, he reports to Indra Suharjono, executive VP and managing director of MTV Networks North and Southeast Asia.

Numakura was previously chairman of MTV Japan from 2001 to 2008. He rejoins the group after serving most recently as president and representative director of KNTV, a cable television channel offering Korean entertainment content to Japanese viewers.

“I am very happy to welcome Numakura-san back to MTV Networks as he is one of the most respected and astute businessmen in the Japanese media industry,” said Suharjono. “It takes a unique and highly-skilled leader to manage both the creative and business aspects of a company such as ours. Namukura-san’s strengths lie in his passion and respect for our brands, his expertise in the market, and his ability to guide and motivate a team. I’m sure we’ll see many new opportunities develop in Japan as a result of his appointment.”

Numakura added, “Having worked within MTV for 15 years, I recognize that many of the world-class brands and properties within MTV Networks have tremendous potential in Japan. The Japanese media landscape is constantly evolving, yet the global scale of MTV Networks and brand strength of MTV and Nickelodeon key properties will provide many opportunities to develop our local business.”