Amazon MGM Studios Taps Warner Bros. Discovery, Hulu Veteran Buddy Marini to Head Japan

Amazon MGM Studios has hired Buddy Marini to serve as its top executive in Japan, effective March 6.

Based in Tokyo, he will drive the slate of local originals spanning film, TV series and anime, build out the studio’s network of creators and production partners, and work with global teams to bring Japanese stories to wider audiences. He reports to Nicole Clemens, who oversees international operations for Amazon MGM Studios and Prime Video.

Related Stories

Ryan Gosling's 'Project Hail Mary' Interview Takes Wild Turn After Reporter Gets Stranded on the Side of the Road: 'Do You Have Help on the Way? Do You Have Water?'

'Project Hail Mary' First Reactions: Ryan Gosling Is a 'Shining Star' in Christopher Miller and Phil Lord's 'Must-See Space Odyssey'

Marini’s career spans more than 25 years across entertainment, media and digital content in Japan and Asia. He comes to the role from Warner Bros. Discovery Japan, where as managing director he ran the full scope of the business – streaming, original production, pay-TV and licensing – with a 300-person team under his remit. Earlier in his career he launched manga platform Mangamo, ran Hulu Japan as CEO, and led Avex Asia out of Hong Kong.

“Japan continues to be a key territory for Prime Video,” said Clemens. “Our customers in Japan have an insatiable appetite for locally produced series and movies. With his deep understanding of Japanese entertainment, proven track record in streaming and content production, and strong relationships with key creative and distribution partners, Buddy is perfectly positioned to drive Amazon MGM Studios’ growth and success in Japan.”

“I’m thrilled to join Amazon MGM Studios at such an important moment for storytelling and audience engagement in Japan,” Marini added. “I’ve spent my career working alongside creators, partners, and teams across film, television, manga and anime, and streaming, and I’m passionate about helping great stories reach their fullest audience potential.”