Major League Baseball Names Shimon Hoizumi Managing Director of Japan
Major League Baseball today announced that Shimon Hoizumi has been named Managing Director, Japan, effective immediately. Based in MLB's Tokyo office, Hoizumi will oversee business operations in Japan and lead efforts to further expand fan engagement, media partnerships, sponsorships, consumer products, events, and grassroots baseball initiatives across the market.
Hoizumi joins MLB with more than two decades of experience across sports, media distribution, sponsorship, and business development. He has held senior leadership positions throughout the Japanese sports and entertainment industry, including Vice President of Rights at DAZN Japan, Head of GOLFTV Japan at Warner Bros. Discovery, and Commercial Director of WWE Japan.
In his new role, Hoizumi will work closely with MLB's international leadership team and local partners to build upon the sport's strong momentum in Japan, where interest in Major League Baseball continues to reach new heights.
"Japan is one of our most important international markets, and Shimon brings an exceptional combination of media expertise, commercial leadership, and deep knowledge of the Japanese sports landscape,” said Jeremiah Yolkut, Major League Baseball, Senior Vice President, Global Operations and Events. “His experience growing global sports properties and connecting with Japanese fans will be invaluable as we continue to strengthen MLB's presence and create new opportunities for fans, partners, and the baseball community throughout Japan."
Throughout his career, Hoizumi has developed extensive expertise in Japan's media rights ecosystem and has played a key role in growing the popularity of major international sports properties. He has successfully negotiated complex media partnerships, developed innovative commercial strategies, and worked closely with professional sports organizations to drive audience growth and fan engagement. His experience also includes collaborating with Nippon Professional Baseball clubs and engaging Japanese baseball fans through a variety of business and marketing initiatives.
“I am honored to join Major League Baseball at a time when the connection between Japan and MLB has never been stronger. Having spent my career working across media, content, and sports partnerships, I have seen firsthand the passion Japanese fans have for baseball. I look forward to working alongside our partners and the broader baseball community to deepen engagement with fans and contribute to the continued growth of the game in Japan.”
A passionate advocate for youth participation in sports, Hoizumi is the father of two young sons who play baseball. He brings a personal commitment to growing the game at the grassroots level and supporting opportunities for young athletes throughout Japan.
MLB has continued to expand its presence in Japan through record-breaking fan engagement, strategic media partnerships, marquee events, and initiatives designed to grow participation in baseball and deepen connections with fans across the country.