New SVP & GM for Viacom Networks Japan

TOKYO/SINGAPORE: Viacom International Media Networks (VIMN) Asia has tapped Susumu Imata as senior VP and general manager for Viacom Networks Japan, which includes channel brands such as Nickelodeon, taking over the role from retiring exec Shigeo Numakura.

Imata will be based in Tokyo, where he will report to Mark Whitehead, VIMN Asia’s executive VP and managing director. He will be in charge of the Japan office, managing VIMN’s brands and businesses including MTV, digital media, program sales and consumer products, while developing the long-term strategic plan in Japan. He will also be tasked with bringing in new revenue streams from that country.

He succeeds Numakura, who had been with the company for the past 12 years. Imata’s appointment sees him returning to the MTV business in Japan, having previously served as senior VP of advertising sales for MTV Japan from 2004 to 2007. Most recently, he was senior VP and deputy general manager for FOX International Channels Japan.

“We are well-positioned to capitalize the growth opportunities of our brands in Japan. We are thrilled to have Imata join Viacom Networks Japan given his wealth of media-industry experience in Japan and his strong sales background,” said Whitehead. “We’re confident that his leadership qualities are what we need to take our businesses and brands in Japan to the next level. I want to thank Numakura-san for his many contributions to the company over the past 12 years, which have set us up for our next phase of growth.”

Imata said: “I am honored to join Viacom Networks Japan and consider it a privilege to lead such a talented and dynamic team. It is an exciting time to be joining the company, as there is tremendous strength and potential across the Viacom brands and properties, which can be tapped on for the evolving Japanese media landscape. I’m looking forward to identifying ways we can expand our business in Japan.”