MUMBAI: Tokyo-based Nippon TV has promoted Hiroyuki Fukuda to representative director, president &  chief operating officer, effective  1 January 2025. He succeeds Akira Ishizawa, who will transition to represent the newly established Yomiuri Chukyo FS Broadcasting Holdings Corp.

Fukuda, who joined Nippon TV in 1985, has held various key positions in both sales and programming divisions, including divisional president of production &  chief content officer. Most recently, he has been leading content strategy and corporate initiatives, guiding the company to maintain a leading position in viewer ratings.

In his new role, Fukuda aims to expand Nippon TV's "content-centric strategy," focusing on reducing dependency on broadcast revenue while enhancing digital and advertising capabilities. He highlighted the importance of adapting to industry changes and leveraging technology, including AI, to streamline content production.

Fukuda is also known for his strong leadership and rapport within the industry, as well as his commitment to community outreach. He expressed gratitude for the opportunity and emphasised the necessity of advancing toward new goals in the evolving media landscape.

The company anticipates significant progress under Fukuda's leadership as it adapts to the challenges ahead.