Universal Music Japan (UMJ) has hired Rui Suzuki as Chief Financial Officer.

Suzuki will be responsible for all financial operations at Universal Music Japan, effective January 1, 2021.

Suzuki joined UMJ earlier this month from personal financial management service Moneytree, where he had served as Chief Financial Officer and Director, since 2016, leading their finance, business development and fundraising operations within Japan.

Prior to Moneytree, he held positions at Goldman Sachs and Mizuho Financial Group.

As a core member of Universal Music Japan’s management team, he will oversee financial operations, accounting and strategic planning `for Universal Music Japan.

He will be based in Tokyo and report to Naoshi Fujikura, CEO, Universal Music Japan.

“We are delighted to welcome Mr. Suzuki to UMJ, I am quite confident that his extensive experience in international finance and fintech will bring us flexible and agile financing in a business world of rapid change.”

Naoshi Fujikura, Universal Music Japan

In making the announcement, Naoshi Fujikura, CEO, Universal Music Japan said: “In 2020, the spread of COVID-19 brought many challenges to the domestic music business in Japan, however at the same time, new trends emerged, such as the global hit success of our Japanese language releases from BTS.

“We are delighted to welcome Mr. Suzuki to UMJ, I am quite confident that his extensive experience in international finance and fintech will bring us flexible and agile financing in a business world of rapid change.

“With Mr. Suzuki joining our management team, we shall continue to contribute to the growth and future development of the Japanese music market, while remaining the best destination for artists, songwriters and fans.”Music Business Worldwide