Shigeo Yushita has been appointed channel director, Japan, Global Networks Asia, NBC Universal has announced.

Yushita takes the Tokyo-based role immediately, to launch and expand NBC Universal's pay TV platforms in Japan. He reports to Raymund Miranda, managing director, Global Networks Asia, as well as to Taichi Fukuda, managing director Japan, NBC Universal International.

Shigeo Yushita most recently served as general manager, programming for Discovery Japan and he is also a veteran of Sony Pictures Entertainment and Nippon Herald Films.

NBC Universal is planning its first channel brand launch in Japan, the Sci-Fi Channel in spring 2008.

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