Account Director

We are expanding our Tokyo-based team with strategic hires focused on managing and growing our core business across Japan. You will join Vistar Media at a pivotal moment, working with regional leadership to drive revenue and lead client relationships in one of the world's most sophisticated OOH markets. Vistar Media is looking for an experienced Account Director to accelerate our growth in Japan. Reporting to the Country Manager, you will establish and nurture deep working relationships with major domestic agencies, global trading desks, and local data partners to solidify the Vistar brand. The ideal candidate understands the nuances of the Japanese agency model and can navigate the complexities of both traditional out of home and programmatic media buying. You should be a self-starter comfortable with an entrepreneurial environment, prepared to build a business from the ground up while maintaining Vistar’s global culture of innovation and transparency.

Responsibilities

Expand our advertiser client portfolio by building high-trust relationships with Japan’s Holding Companies, independent shops, and direct brands; Maintain and adapt media kits, presentations, and marketing materials to ensure they resonate with Japanese market standards; Develop targeted 'hit lists' and leverage existing networks to maximize the long-term value of client partnerships; Raise demand-side awareness of Vistar Media as the leading global exchange for Digital Out-of-Home (DOOH), specifically educating the market on programmatic benefits; Leverage global MSAs while navigating local trading desk relationships to grow clientele and secure long-term partnerships; Work closely with Client Services to respond to RFPs, ensuring all client communications meet high service standards expected in Japan; Partner with the Analytics team to translate client KPIs into comprehensive measurement strategies that prove ROI in the local context; Act as the primary point of contact for key clients, managing the relationship from pre-sale strategy through to post-campaign analysis

Requirements

5+ years of experience in a client-facing role within the Japanese media, ad-tech, or digital advertising industry; Native-level fluency in Japanese; Deep understanding of the Japan DOOH landscape and the programmatic ecosystem; Proven track record of establishing trust-based relationships with senior stakeholders at major agencies and brands; Strong command of Excel and PowerPoint for data-driven storytelling; Bachelor’s degree or equivalent professional experience; A self-starter excited by the challenge of scaling a global tech brand within the unique Japanese business environment; Ability to bridge the gap between a fast-paced US-headquartered startup and the meticulous, detail-oriented expectations of Japanese clients; Proactive in identifying white-space opportunities and navigating complex organizational structures within accounts; Excellent time management skills with the ability to self-manage conflicting priorities in a high-growth setting

Nice to have

Professional proficiency in English