Amazon MGM Studios taps Asia veteran Buddy Marini to helm Japan

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

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

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

“Japan remains an important area for Prime Video,” said Clemens. “Our customers in Japan have an insatiable appetite for locally produced series and films. With his deep knowledge 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 the growth and success of Amazon MGM Studios in Japan.”

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