Warner Bros. Discovery names Hulu alum as GM in Japan, Chieko Nishi to lead networks

Buddy Marini (Source: WBD)

Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) has rejigged its senior ranks in Japan with the hire of Buddy Marini, the former CEO of Hulu in the country.

Marini becomes GM of WBD Japan and will oversee all operations except WBD’s theatrical efforts and its Harry Potter tour interests, with a remit across franchise, pay TV, home entertainment, licensing, consumer products and anime production.

Glen Kyne

He is based out of Tokyo and reports into WBD Asia Pacific president James Gibbons, with key targets including distribution and sales expansion across platforms, as well as increasing local anime production.

Marini joins having most recently founded global mobile manga platform Mangamo, having previously been GM in Japan for gaming company Supercell.

Before that, he led Hulu in Japan and has also worked for firms including Avex Group Holdings, Universal Studios and Mitsui-Sumitomo Investment Bank.

Marini replaces Masami Takahashi, whose exit was announced last year following the appointment of Gibbons.

WBD has also promoted Chieko Nishi to VP, head of networks in Japan, replacing Glen Kyne, who confirmed earlier this year he would be leaving the company following an overhaul of operations in New Zealand. He exits 5 July.

Nishi, who reports into Marini, joined in 2023 having held roles at companies including Spotify and initially led content and network operations.

Gibbons said: “Japan is a key growth driver, with opportunities to scale further through franchise/IP development, distribution partnerships and content for both local and global platforms. Buddy’s expertise, proven leadership and commercial mindset will be key as we look to deliver these ambitions.”