TOKYO – TBWA\HAKUHODO Japan announced today the promotion of Kazoo Sato to the role of Chief Creative Officer, from Executive Creative Director – a role he held since 2012.
Sato started his advertising career at Leo Burnett Tokyo, before joining TBWA\HAKUHODO Japan in 2009, where he has created globally recognized campaigns such as Quiksilver’s ‘TRUE WETSUIT’, Suntory’s ‘3D on the Rocks’, and adidas Japan’s ‘Skycomic’.
Commenting on the appointment, Yuzo Sato, President & Chief Executive Officer at TBWA\HAKUHODO Japan, said, “Kazoo’s portfolio of work is impressive. Updating and challenging the status quo is how Kazoo operates. His creative prowess is unquestionable, having won numerous ‘Japan Creative of the Year’ accolades. Under Kazoo’s direction, our agency will remain in a strong position to continually disrupt, innovate and challenge marketing conventions.”
Kazoo Sato has developed a wide range of campaigns for a variety of local and global clients that have garnered hundreds of international and domestic awards including Gold at Cannes Lions, LIA Awards, Spikes Asia, and D&AD Yellow Pencils. With this record of wins, he has also judged numerous international award shows, including Cannes Lions, Spikes Asia, New York Festivals and LIA Awards.
“Kazoo is a unique individual with a creative mind that stretches like an elastic band,” said John Hunt, Worldwide Creative Director at TBWA\Worldwide. “He is never bullied by existing parameters. He challenges conventions in the name of finding iconic solutions for our clients’ business. I’m delighted all his past success has been recognized by this elevation to the role of CCO.”
Prior to joining Leo Burnett Tokyo, Sato worked at Sony Music Entertainment where he gained his passion for music and intimate knowledge of the industry. To this day, he designs album covers, produces music videos and provides stage direction for many musicians/artists. He has also been recognized by the music industry, winning a Grand Prix award at the MTV Video Music Awards in Japan.
Commenting on his promotion, Kazoo Sato said, “The creative industry has never been a more exciting space to work in than it is today. The environment is constantly changing, challenging us to work at the speed of culture. As a creative, we must constantly update our thinking, reinvent and relentlessly experiment. Everything we do is LIVE; the future is our playground for the present. I’m excited to take on new responsibilities at TBWA\HAKUHODO, an agency that understands our competition is culture, and in order to remain relevant, we must constantly be disruptive.”
