Turner to consolidate three Japan businesses under Turner Japan

The plan aligns the company’s Japan management under one country lead, Tom Perry, consolidates all Japan employees into one company and simplifies the business structure.

Perry is to assume the role of general manager of Turner Japan, responsible for Turner’s kids, entertainment and news distribution business in Japan. Noriyuki Matsuoka will report to Perry, while CNN ad sales will continue to be headed by Atsushi Saito, reporting to William Hsu.

Through the reorganization, to be effective April 2013, employees of Turner International Japan, Inc. and Japan Image Communications Co., Ltd. will be transferred to Japan Entertainment Network K.K. (“JEN”) and JEN will be renamed ‘Turner Japan’. JIC will continue its operations until Dec 2013, and will then be merged into Turner Japan in Jan 2014.

Steve Marcopoto, president, Turner International Asia Pacific, said the reorganisation is "the next step in the development of our thriving and admired Japan business" by positioning the company to take on future growth opportunities and increase efficiency. 

Turner’s business in Japan started in 1984 when CNN launched with Japan Cable Television, Ltd. Cartoon Network launched in 1997, initially as a joint venture but then run through the wholly-owned entity Japan Entertainment Network K.K.. Three years ago, Turner acquired Japan Image Communications Co. Ltd., bringing the Mondo TV and Tabi Channel channels into the Turner portfolio. Today, Turner has more than 100 staff in Japan.