Mike Nakamura, global president of dentsu X, has been appointed executive director of Dentsu Aegis Network Entertainment & Sports.
DAN Entertainment & Sports is to focus on production, rights and distribution of content and entertainment, as well as exploring opportunities in naming and broadcast rights, eCommerce, and infrastructure for sports franchises.
While Nakamura will continue to hold his position at dentsu X, he has been tasked with designing the network’s offering in the entertainment and sports space, working with Amplifi global CCO Alastair Shearly-Sanders and The Story Lab global president Michael Iskas to consolidate the product, content business and market strategy.
“I look forward to leveraging my early career experiences to design DAN Entertainment & Sports,” Nakamura said. He has close to 30 years’ experience in media and content after starting his career in Dentsu’s TV division, and has held positions including CEO of Dentsu Media in Thailand and managing director of Dentsu Media APAC.
“DAN is in a unique position, with the chance to offer new revenue opportunities for sports franchises, content producers and our clients. We have already begun the journey with The Story Lab and Amplifi but the chance to activate with our agency brands across the network, and with our colleagues in Japan is clear. I can’t wait to get started”.
In this role, Nakamura will remain based in London and will report into Tim Andree, executive chairman & CEO, Dentsu Aegis Network, who said that as “critical players” in major sporting events and properties, Dentsu comes “armed with firepower” to create new revenue models in this space.
“Mike brings the right knowledge from Tokyo, coupled with his global leadership experience to design a compelling DAN Entertainment & Sports offering for our clients, producers and partners,” he added.
