MUMBAI: Currently ranked as the number one commercial TV broadcaster in Japan and having had significant global success since launching its International Business Division (IBD) in 2014, Nippon Television Network Corporation (Nippon TV), Japan’s leading multiplatform entertainment powerhouse, announced today that IBD is rolling out a comprehensive new global growth plan which includes strategic creative collaborations with international partners as an investment in future business and a way to expand its slate of brands. Marking this as one of Nippon TV’s top priorities, the global growth plan includes the promotion of two key executives within the company. The promotions are effective immediately and both executives will be based in Tokyo. The announcement was made today by Nippon TV board director programming, production, sports, business development operating officer Hiroyuki Fukuda.

Overseeing this expanded division will be Keiichi Sawa, who 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 Fukuda.  Sawa replaces Atsushi Sogo, who will become president of NTV Personnel Center Corp, a group company of Nippon TV.  

The second promotion is for IBD associate MD Mikiko Nishiyama, who has been promoted to MD of IBD and will report to Sawa. She will be responsible for the day to day operations of IBD.

“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,” said Sawa.  “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.”