Amazon MGM Studios Hires Warner Bros. Discovery Executive to Lead Japan Operations

Amazon MGM Studios has appointed Buddy Marini, a 25-year entertainment industry veteran, as Head of Amazon MGM Studios Japan, according to an announcement from the streaming giant.

Marini joins Amazon from Warner Bros. Discovery Japan, where he served as Managing Director and led all business operations including streaming, original production, pay-TV networks, and licensing while overseeing a team of 300 people, according to the company announcement.

The executive will be based in Tokyo and report to Nicole Clemens, Head of International for Amazon MGM Studios and Prime Video, who joined Amazon in June last year from Paramount TV Studios, according to the announcement.

“Japan continues to be a key territory for Prime Video,” Clemens said in a statement. “Our customers in Japan have an insatiable appetite for locally produced series and movies.”

Clemens highlighted Marini’s qualifications for the role, stating, “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.”

Marini brings extensive experience in Japanese entertainment markets to his new role. Before Warner Bros. Discovery, he founded manga platform Mangamo and served as CEO of Hulu Japan, according to his professional background. He also managed entertainment firm Avex Asia in Hong Kong, the announcement noted.

His background in manga and anime appears particularly relevant to Amazon’s strategic goals in Japan. Amazon executives have consistently identified anime as a key driver for Prime Video subscribers and consumer retention, according to the announcement. Last month, APAC chief Gaurav Gandhi stated Amazon’s ambition for Prime Video to become “the preferred destination for anime content globally.”

In his new position, Marini will lead the Japan studio business and oversee development and production of local originals across film, television series and anime, according to the company. His responsibilities will include working with creators and production partners, building out content pipeline across scripted and unscripted formats, and collaborating with Amazon’s global teams to distribute Japanese content on Prime Video.

“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,” Marini said in a statement.

Prime Video currently offers several anime titles including “Fist of the North Star: Hokuto No Ken,” “The Ghost in the Shell” and “From Old Country Bumpkin to Master Swordsman,” according to the announcement.

The appointment reflects Amazon’s continued investment in international content production and its focus on the Japanese market specifically. The streaming service has been expanding its local content offerings across various international markets as it competes with other global streaming platforms.

Marini’s hiring comes as streaming services increasingly recognize the global appeal of Japanese content, particularly anime and manga adaptations. His experience across multiple aspects of the Japanese entertainment industry positions him to help Amazon expand its footprint in this strategic market.

The executive transition takes effect immediately, with Marini assuming his new responsibilities as Amazon MGM Studios continues to build out its international content strategy and production capabilities in key markets worldwide.