Media Release

CNN INTERNATIONAL COMMERCIAL STRENGTHENS LEADERSHIP IN JAPAN AND EXPANDS TEAM IN APAC

CNN International Commercial (CNNIC) has appointed Akikazu Izumiya as Executive Director, Advertising Sales, Japan, to build on the extensive relationships that Japanese brands have with the world’s leading news brand. Izumiya joins at an exciting time as CNN gears up for a supercharged 2018 that continues to strengthen and build on CNN’s multi-platform programming and commercial successes. CNN’s cross-platform strategy powered by data and creativity has been embraced by top Japanese brands at the forefront of brand storytelling and creative audience engagement across the globe.

Izumiya’s appointment sees him join CNNIC’s dynamic APAC leadership team driving industry-leading and innovative multi-platform strategies with brands from across the region. Izumiya reports directly to Sunita Rajan, Senior Vice President, Advertising Sales, Asia Pacific, CNN International Commercial.

“Japan is one of the leading lights in global innovation, known for setting the agenda for many diverse industries,” said Rajan. “Aki-san is the ideal brand and sales strategist with vast experience and fresh thinking to harness this innovation and draw on the wealth of CNN content and platforms. As the country seizes the opportunity of Tokyo 2020 and its economic growth, we look forward to working in partnership with Japanese brands looking to make their mark on the global stage.”

Commenting on his new role at CNNIC, Izumiya said, “I have always been inspired by brands who lead change and drive industry innovations and CNN has been one such brand that was always on my radar.  Accelerated levels of engagement for brands and customers through the multi-platform touchpoints backed with data and creativity is highly appreciated by Japan as a market, which is key to CNN. I am thrilled and honored to have the opportunity to work with the very dynamic CNNIC team in APAC.”

With over 37 years’ experience in working with multi-national and Japanese brands, Izumiya joins CNN from Group IMD Japan, where, as Managing Director, he successfully launched the ad technology service into the Japanese market. Prior to this role, he served as CEO of Dentsu Aegis Japan Inc. for 3 years where he oversaw all the network’s Japanese operations including Carat Japan and Vizeum Japan. Before taking on the role as CEO in 2014, Izumiya was Executive Director of Dentsu Inc’s Media Business Development Division. Izumiya will be based in CNN’s new Tokyo office in downtown Akasaka and will begin his role on February 20th, 2018.

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About CNN International Commercial
CNN International Commercial (CNNIC) is the division of Turner International responsible for the business operations of CNN’s properties outside of the United States. All the commercial activities for brands such as CNN International, CNN en Español, CNN Arabic, CNN Style, CNNMoney and Great Big Story are aligned within the division. This encompasses the advertising sales, sponsorship partnerships, commercial content development, content sales, brand licensing, distribution and out-of-home operations, business development and marketing for the world’s leading international news provider. CNNIC is a recognised industry leader in international advertising sales and its use of award-winning commercial content, produced through its Create unit and driven by its advanced data usage and digital capabilities, has resulted in strong and enduring partnerships with many of the world’s most recognised brands. Its Content Sales and Licensing unit has relationships with more than 1000 affiliates ranging from licensing the CNN brand through to content supply contracts as well as offering consultancy services. CNNIC has offices across the world, with key hubs in London, Hong Kong and Miami. For more information visit http://commercial.cnn.com