SINGAPORE — IPG Mediabrands, the media and marketing solutions division of Interpublic Group, has appointed Matt Ware as CEO of IPG Mediabrands Japan. The announcement comes following the departure of Koichi Sonoda, prior CEO of Japan of five years.
Previously APAC CEO of KINESSO, the IPG Mediabrands tech-driven performance agency where he led over 1000 digital experts across 11 markets engaged in digital media, marketing automation, advanced analytics, commerce, and AI; Matt brings 15 years of specialized digital marketing experience, including 11 years within Asia Pacific and over five years in Japan. In his new role, Matt will lead the IPG Mediabrands Japan network, guiding advertisers to optimize their media investments for real business outcomes.
“With his depth of digital expertise and hands-on local market knowledge and insight, Matt was the natural choice to propel our positioning forward in the Japan market,” said Leigh Terry, CEO of IPG Mediabrands. “I’m incredibly excited for this next stage of growth and evolution of the IPG Mediabrands Japan network under Matt’s leadership.”
Matt commented, “I am thrilled to be taking up the Japan leadership role and excited to return to a market I’m passionate about. Having worked in APAC for 15 years, I have always found Japan to be a special place; it is full of innovation, excitement, and global players, and it has a robust and vibrant domestic tech scene. It’s a fascinating time to work in advertising in Japan, and I’m delighted to be back.”
Matt has relocated to Tokyo for the leadership appointment, which is effective immediately, reporting to Leigh. The new APAC CEO KINESSO is to be announced.
