Authentic Brands hires Kiyoshi Nakamura for business development in APAC, Europe

By

Benjamin Fitzgerald

Published
Apr 17, 2022

Authentic Brands Group (ABG) announced on Friday the appointment of Kiyoshi Nakamura to assist in the development of new business in the Asia-Pacific and European regions. 

Nakamura, a ​seasoned sports and broadcast industry leader, "will help build on the foundation we have in place in Japan and other key territories," ​said Marc Rosen, president of entertainment at ABG, without disclosing a specific a job title for the executive.

"A sports and entertainment executive based in Japan, Mr. Nakamura brings valuable insight and a wealth of experience across global marketing and broadcast management to ABG," an ABG press release continued. 

"He will generate business development opportunities for the company’s brands as it continues to diversify its portfolio as well as heightens its focus on expansion in Japan and the broader Asia-Pacific region.

Nakamura joins ABG from Dentsu Inc., where he served as senior vice president at the global marketing and advertising agency, and was instrumental in acquiring the marketing, broadcasting and hospitality rights for the Olympic Games, Rugby World Cup, FIFA World Cup and the Asian Games.

The veteran also secured a deal in 2015 to buy one-third of premier NFL agency Athletes First and was fundamental in raising more than $3 billion from local sponsorships for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. In addition, he also served as a board member at sports subscription video streaming service DAZN from 2018 to 2021.

“I could not be more excited to join ABG, which has an impressive global portfolio that includes the likes of Marilyn Monroe, Elvis Presley, Shaquille O’Neal, Sports Illustrated and the recently acquired Reebok and David Beckham brands,” said Nakamura.

“I look forward to working with the extremely talented ABG team and building on the company’s great foundation and growth potential.”