Warner Bros. Japan Appoints Masami Takahashi as President

BURBANK/TOKYO: Masami Takahashi has been named president of Warner Bros. Japan, effective September 1.

In his new role, Takahashi will have general oversight of all of Warner Bros.’s businesses in Japan, including theatrical and television distribution, home entertainment, consumer products, games and local production. He will work closely with executives in each of these divisions, as well as with divisional management. Takahashi will also work closely with Warner Bros. veteran Millard Ochs, who is segueing into an advisory role within the company after serving as president of Warner Bros. Japan for the last 21 months.

Takahashi was most recently the VP of 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 and head of Japan studio marketing. Before Disney, Takahashi was VP and general manager of the console division of Electronic Arts KK in Japan. He has also held positions at Coca-Cola Japan and advertising agency Leo Burnett (Kyodo) 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 Kevin Tsujihara, the chairman and CEO of Warner Bros. “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.”

Tsujihara continued: “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,” commented 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.”