JWT names BBDO's Wataru Kageyama as Japan CEO

The apppointment came into effect on 1 December. The next move for former Japan CEO Mark Webster will be announced in the near future.

Kageyama has more than 15 years of experience at Asatsu-DK and I&S BBDO, having begun his career as account executive before rising to become group account director at Daiichi-Kikaku, now Asatsu-DK.

He was also president and CEO of Shockwave, Japan's first major digital entertainment portal site, and founded Buddiez, a digital entertainment production company, in partnership with Robot Communications and Imagica to create and distribute online games and branded entertainment.

Earlier in his career, he served as the regional director of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts.

Michael Maedel, JWT president, said: “We believe Kageyama-san is the right individual to lead JWT Japan towards a bright future, given the opportunities that greet us as the new year begins. He is a talented leader and boasts a rare and powerful combination of traditional advertising, digital and client-side experience.”

He described Webster's work as "nothing short of invaluable".  

“Kageyama-san is passionate about the communications industry and is optimistic about its future,” added Tom Doctoroff, North Asia area director and Greater China CEO. “I am convinced his results and team-oriented style will further unify JWT against a clear mission of creative and operational excellence in Japan.”

Earlier this year, JWT had to restructure its Japan office due to the downturn.

In the months ahead, Kageyama said he would be looking to tap on his background in digital and CRM to bring a new focus on digital to JWT Japan. As such, he would be looking to boost the agency’s headcount to bring in more digital planners.

Kageyama added that he would be looking to grow the agency’s local businesses too. “Fifty-per cent of our businesses come from local clients now. While we have good global clients and relationships, we’ll be aiming for more Japanese clients as well,” he said.

“We would also be looking at Japanese firms who are looking to expand overseas in markets like China. We have a strong network at JWT and we work closely together, I believe we can support Japanese firms which are looking for growth in overseas markets.”