Universal Pictures International (UPI) has appointed Mutsumi Suzuki as president of Universal Pictures Japan (UPJ).

Based in Tokyo, Suzuki will report to Wayne Borg, vice president, Universal Pictures, Latin America and Asia Pacific. The appointment is effective from Sept 30..

Suzuki succeeds Tada Wakabayashi, who has held the role of acting president, Universal Pictures Japan since March 2003. Wakabayashi will resume his previous position as financial director UPJ subsequent to Suzuki's appointment.

Suzuki's responsibilities as president will include consolidating Universal's presence in the fast-growing DVD market, as well as expanding local acquisition activity.

Suzuki joins UPJ from Mars, where he headed the Pet Food Division.