Rakuten Viki names new CEO

Rakuten Viki, Rakukten’s “fan-powered video platform and community for global TV” has named Sam Wu as its new CEO.

Sam Wu

Wu, who was most recently the company’s Senior Vice President of Finance, will take over the position from Interim CEO, Masaya Ueno. Ueno will assume a new role leading Rakuten’s Global Media Business Group.

Wu joined Viki in 2012 and played a key role in leading the acquisition of Viki, Inc. by Rakuten in 2013.

The Rakuten Viki OTT TV platform has a reach of over 40 million users in 190-plus countries via Rakuten Viki and its Korean entertainment brand, Soompi. The company also includes a production arm that develops and invests in Viki Originals such as Dramaworld and upcoming co-productions with studios in Asia and Hollywood.

Wu said: “I am excited for the opportunity to lead Rakuten Viki, with a renewed focus on delivering innovative product features, an unmatched user experience and a diverse programming line-up to our growing, global community. Over the past six years, I have had the pleasure of working closely with this highly-talented team, and I am enthusiastic for Rakuten Viki’s future as we continue to invest in our award-winning apps and expand our reach to fans around the world.”

President of Rakuten’s Media and Sports Company Makoto Arima, said: “We are excited to see Sam take on this new position. His experience at Rakuten Viki has laid the groundwork for what will certainly be a successful transition into the CEO role. His intimate understanding of the business today, combined with his insights into the market as a whole, ideally position him to lead the team toward further growth.”