WildBrain CPLG is expanding its Asia-Pacific (APAC) footprint with its new Japan office, headed up by Koichi Yamamoto, the new official Commercial Director, Japan.
Yamamoto will lead the WildBrain CPLG Japan team in growth and partnerships, bringing decades of market experience across the entertainment, retail, and Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) industries. Most recently, Yamamoto served as Head of Consumer Products at Paramount Global Japan K.K. for more than four years and brings additional experience from United Media, Mattel, and Hasbro. Yamamoto will report to Soojin Ahn, Regional Director, South Korea and Japan.
“Japan is one of the world’s most influential and unique licensing markets, offering exceptional opportunities for brand and retail partnerships,” says Marie Kopp, VP, APAC, WildBrain CPLG. “We are committed to building a strong local presence that combines deep market expertise with the strength of our global network. I’m delighted to welcome Koichi to the team and look forward to working closely with him and Soojin to build our presence in Japan, strengthen local partnerships, and drive the next phase of growth in this exciting market.”
The Tokyo office will focus on driving long-term partner value, serving as a key hub for WildBrain CPLG’s growth in Japan. This move comes on the heels of WildBrain CPLG’s growing momentum in APAC and increased traction for WildBrain’s owned franchises, including Teletubbies and Strawberry Shortcake, as well as other growth opportunities for partners like the Van Gogh Museum, Miraculous Corp., Dr. Seuss Enterprises, and Supercell.
“Japan represents a highly strategic market for WildBrain CPLG, with significant opportunities to grow our brand portfolio and deepen partnerships,” says Maarten Weck, Chief Commercial Officer and Managing Director, WildBrain CPLG. “Opening a dedicated office in Tokyo marks an important step in our Asia-Pacific expansion, enabling us to build a strong, locally rooted presence and deliver tailored, market-specific strategies for our partners. With Koichi and Soojin’s leadership and expertise, we are well-positioned to unlock new opportunities and accelerate growth across the region.”
WildBrain CPLG will additionally continue to work with Tohoku Shinsha Co., Ltd. (TFC), its longstanding subagent in the Telebubbies market, to grow and support the franchise in Japan.
Yamamoto will additionally shape and execute long-term commercial strategy, driving retail and licensing partnerships, building locally grounded business, and a team of licensors specializing in WildBrain CPLG’s global portfolio.
“WildBrain CPLG has an outstanding portfolio of globally recognized brands and a strong track record of building meaningful partnerships,” says Yamamoto. “I’m pleased to join the team at such a pivotal moment and to lead the business in Japan. By combining local market insight with WildBrain CPLG’s global capabilities, we have a unique opportunity to drive impactful collaborations across multiple categories and deliver long-term value for partners.”
WildBrain CPLG’s new Japanese office opening and the appointment of industry veteran Yamamoto demonstrate the company’s commitment to global expansion in an ever-evolving industry. For more information, visit wildbraincplg.com.
