Universal sets Japan topper

Akiyama named managing director

By ARCHIE THOMAS

Universal Pictures Japan has appointed Ghen Akiyama as managing director, effective today. Tokyo-based Akiyama will report to Peter Smith, prexy of Universal Pictures Intl., who made the announcement.

Akiyama has been charged with maximizing Japanese home entertainment biz and enhancing local acquisitions activity.

Akiyama has had a series of senior positions in the Asia Pacific region, most recently as director of strategic brand planning and marketing for Levi Strauss Asia Pacific.