Nippon TV Unveils Global Growth Plan

Nippon TV, having had significant global success since launching its international business division (IBD) in 2014, is rolling out a comprehensive new global growth plan for the division.

The plan includes strategic creative collaborations with international partners as an investment in future business and a way to expand its slate of brands. It also includes the promotion of two key executives within the company. Keiichi Sawa, has been promoted to operating officer of Nippon TV, while also retaining his current title of president of business development for Nippon TV. He will be responsible for the overall operations of IBD and will report to Mr. Fukuda. (Sawa replaces Atsushi Sogo, who will become president of NTV Personnel Center, a group company of Nippon TV.) The second promotion is for Mikiko Nishiyama, associate managing director of IBD, who has been promoted to managing director of IBD and will report to Sawa. She will be responsible for the day to day operations of IBD.

Sawa said: “Nippon TV is currently at the top of its game as the ratings champion broadcaster for six consecutive years and our digital strategy is accelerating with Hulu in Japan becoming the leading streaming platform. Now, the timing is absolutely perfect for the expansion of our international business and I am honored to be leading this amazing IBD team. My predecessors have done a remarkable job initially creating and ultimately growing Nippon TV’s international business thanks to our partners in the global content industry. Our award-winning scripted formats Mother and Woman –My Life for My Children-, along with our leading unscripted formats Dragons’ Den and BLOCK OUT, are now seen around the world and continue to garner top ratings.”