Katsumi “Jack” Matsumura Named President And Ceo, Nippon Columbia
September, 27 2001
Tokyo, Japan – September 27th, 2001 – Katsumi Matsumura has been named President and CEO, Nippon Columbia, it was announced today by Strauss Zelnick, new Chairman of the Board, Nippon Columbia. The appointment is effective October 2, 2001.
Matsumura most recently served as Managing Director and Executive Vice President, BMG Funhouse, a position he held since 1999, where he oversaw all aspects and complete operations of their domestic and international labels. In addition, Matsumura served as the Representative Director of the company and was a member of the Board of Directors.
“Jack is a first rate music executive with a far-ranging career in the record business that spans over two decades,” said Zelnick. “I know firsthand the caliber of his expertise and together we will create an outstanding presence for Nippon Columbia in the industry.”
Zelnick continued, “Jack’s unique understanding of the creative process combined with his business and marketing savvy makes him the ideal person to revitalize Nippon Columbia.”
Matsumura’s appointment is part of a broader strategic initiative led by Ripplewood Holdings L.L.C which was announced in May 2001.
Timothy Collins, CEO, Ripplewood Holdings L.L.C. added, “Mr. Matsumura’s strong leadership skills and his deep knowledge of the music industry will enable him to take Nippon Columbia to the next level of success.”
“To be given the honor and challenge to lead Nippon Columbia is an exciting opportunity,” said Matsumura. “I look forward to continuing the proud tradition and rich legacy of the label while developing a creative and innovative marketing environment for our artists and my team.”
Prior to joining BMG Japan as Managing Director in 1996, Matsumura held several senior management positions in Marketing, A&R and Promotion at Sony Music Japan and Sony Music USA beginning in 1978. While at Sony Music he produced and marketed domestically and internationally many artists such as Ryuichi Sakamoto, Seiko Matsuda and Nokko, and marketed to great prominence in Japan such international artists as Mariah Carey, Whitesnake and Pearl Jam. Matsumura began his career in the music industry as a musician in 1973.
Nippon Columbia
Nippon Columbia’s music and entertainment business, established in 1910, has over a 90-year history in the Japanese music entertainment industry, owning over 140,000 titles. Nippon Columbia brand is well known throughout the Japanese market, with a strong presence in the Enka market segment. Misora Hibari, a singer considered to be the Japanese national singer for the last 50 years recorded with Nippon Columbia throughout her career. As of March 31, 2001, Nippon Columbia’s music and entertainment business has revenues of approximately JPY 39 billion.
For inquiries, contact:
In Japan:
Seiichi Kuroda
Telephone: 03-3584-8301
In U.S.A.
Keith Estabrook
Telephone: 212.223.1383