New CEO At Universal Music Japan

TOKYO, Japan (VIP-NEWS) — Naoshi Fujikura has been promoted to president and CEO of Universal Music Japan. The move is effective from Jan. 1, 2014.

He was previously president of domestic labels at the company.

Fujikura will replace Kazu Koike, who has served in the positions since 2009. Koike will become non-executive chairman.

Both men will report directly to Max Hole, chairman and CEO of Universal Music Group International.

“We are facing an unprecedented but exciting challenge in Japan but with Universal Music`s deepest roots lying with music itself, the potential for us has never been greater," Fujikura commented on his new position. "I look forward to building on Universal Music`s outstanding legacy and to leading this company to even higher levels of achievement.”

“Naoshi Fujikura represents a new generation of record company executive in Japan," added Hole. "He has already proved himself as a versatile and talented music man and I know that he will ably lead Universal Music Japan into the future.”

He continued, “Kazu Koike has had an incredible career and I`m delighted that he is going to maintain his long association with us as we continue to build Universal Music into the leading company for the constantly evolving Japanese music business.”

Fujikura joined Polydor Japan in 1992, working his way up through the organisation, including in publicity and promotion, product management and marketing for domestic artists.