IPG Mediabrands Japan appoints Matt Ware as CEO

IPG Mediabrands has named Matt Ware as the new CEO IPG Mediabrands Japan. The announcement comes following the departure of Koichi Sonoda, who held the position for the past five years.

Previously APAC CEO of KINESSO the IPG Mediabrands tech-driven performance agency where he led 1000+ digital experts across 11 markets engaged in digital media, marketing automation, advanced analytics, commerce, and AI; Ware brings 15 years specialized digital marketing experience, including 11 years within the Asia-Pacific region and 5+ years in Japan. In his new role Ware 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 IPG Mediabrands. “I’m incredibly excited for this next stage of growth and evolution of the IPG Mediabrands Japan network under Matt’s leadership.”

Ware said: “I am thrilled to be taking up the Japan leadership role and excited to be returning to a market that I’m passionate about. Having worked in APAC for 15 years, Japan has always been a special place for me; full of innovation, excitement, global players but also a robust and vibrant domestic tech scene. It’s a fascinating time to be working in advertising in Japan and I’m delighted to be back”.

Ware has relocated to Tokyo for the leadership appointment, which is effective immediately, reporting to Leigh Terry, CEO IPG Mediabrands Asia-Pacific. The new APAC CEO KINESSO is to be announced.