Viacom International Media Networks (VIMN) Asia has appointed Susumu Imata as senior vice president and general manager of Viacom Networks Japan.

Imata, who began his new role on 1 January, will report directly to Mark Whitehead, VIMN Asia’s executive vice president and managing director, and is based in Tokyo.

Imata will oversee the management and operations of the Japan office, across VIMN’s brands and business including MTV, Nickelodeon, digital media, programme sales and consumer products.

He succeeds Shigeo Numakura, who has retired having been with the company for 12 years.

Whitehead said: “We are well-positioned to capitalise the growth opportunities of our brands in Japan. We are thrilled to have Imata join Viacom Networks Japan given his wealth of media industry experience in Japan and his strong sales background.

“We’re confident that his leadership qualities are what we need to take our businesses and brands in Japan to the next level,” he added.

Imata said: “It is an exciting time to be joining the company as there is tremendous strength and potential across the Viacom brands and properties, which can be tapped on for the evolving Japanese media landscape. I’m looking forward to identifying ways we can expand our business in Japan.”

Imata’s appointment sees him returning to the MTV business in Japan, having previously served as senior vice president of advertising sales for the company from 2004 to 2007.

Most recently, he was senior vice president and deputy general manager for FOX International Channels Japan Inc.