Buddy Marini, Veteran Asia Executive, Hired as GM of Warner Bros. Discovery in Japan

By Patrick Frater

Veteran Asian executive Buddy Marini has been appointed GM of Warner Bros. Discovery in Japan.
The role covers all operations in Japan including home entertainment, digital & TV licensing, consumer products, anime production, franchise and pay-TV networks, but excluding theatrical and the Warner Bros. Studio Tour Tokyo: The Making of Harry Potter business.

Marini joins WBD with 25+ years’ experience in leadership across media and technology companies in Japan, China and the U.S. Most recently, he founded global mobile platform Mangamo, offering one of the largest mobile manga libraries to fans worldwide. Prior to this, Marini was GM, Japan for gaming company Supercell, and CEO for Hulu Japan, where he successfully oversaw the streaming platform’s development and growth into one of the country’s leading services. He has held additional leadership positions at Avex Group Holdings Inc., Universal Studios and Mitsui-Sumitomo Investment Bank.

WBD also confirmed the promotion of Nishi Chieko as VP, head of networks, Japan, replacing Glen Kyne, who has decided to depart the company and will leave on July 5. She will report to Marini. Marini, who joins from June 3 will report to WBD Asia Pacific president, James Gibbons.

Marini has more than 25 years of experience in media and technology in Japan, China and the U.S. Most recently, he founded global mobile platform Mangamo, offering one of the largest mobile manga libraries to fans worldwide. Prior to this, Marini was GM, Japan for gaming company Supercell, and CEO for Hulu Japan. He has held additional leadership positions at Avex Group Holdings Inc., Universal Studios and Mitsui-Sumitomo Investment Bank.

“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,” said Gibbons. “Buddy brings an impressive track record to WBD, with two decades of broad industry experience across several markets and verticals.”

The company said that Marini will be expected to drive growth and revenues business-wide, including expansion across distribution and sales strategies, digital platforms and local anime production. Gibbons recently revealed an expansion of its anime production operations in Japan.

“I am honored to join WBD at such an exciting time in the industry. Japan holds a special place in the world of entertainment, and I look forward to working with the talented team at WBD to deliver world-class content and unforgettable experiences to audiences in Japan and around the globe,” said Marini.

Nishi joined WBD in 2023 to lead content and network operations. She was previously the head of studios at Spotify Japan. During the past year, Nishi has been instrumental in consolidating WBD’s seven-channel linear portfolio under a new JV with J:COM, and spearheading new commercial partnerships locally.