Macromill Group

Tokyo, Jun 15, 2020 - Macromill, Inc. (Headquarters: Minato-ku, Tokyo; hereinafter, “Macromill”) today announced that Scott Ernst, Representative Executive Officer, Global CEO, will step down following the Annual Shareholders Meeting in September, 2020. Toru Sasaki, currently serving Representative Executive Officer for Macromill’s Japan Operation, will become the company’s new Global CEO following Ernst’s departure.

Ernst recommended to the Macromill Board of Directors that Sasaki be his successor. Ernst will continue as Representative Executive Officer, Global CEO of Macromill Group until the annual meeting of shareholders in September. After that, Ernst will remain with Macromill as an advisor to ensure a smooth transition. Sasaki is also expected to be appointed to the Board of Director at the September shareholders meeting.

Ernst was named Global CEO in October 2015 to lead the vision and strategy to create the first truly global digital research company. Under his leadership, Macromill achieved industry leading business growth and profitability, increased brand awareness and market position, and successfully addressed new challenges facing the industry. Ernst also led Macromill to a successful IPO in March 2017.

“The past five years have been tremendously rewarding, both personally and professionally. I am proud of what we have accomplished including growing our Japanese business, accelerating our global strategies, and strengthening our next-generation digital services”, said Ernst. “We have started our ambitious plans to transform Macromill into the essential insights and data partner for our clients. I believe we have the right team and strategy to deliver on this vision and that now is the right time for me to entrust a new leader to guide the company. Between now and the end of September at the timing of our annual shareholders meeting, I will be fully engaged as CEO and am committed to ensure we will have a smooth transition to the new leadership team.”

“Scott has done a tremendous job as Global CEO over the past five years and I’m very thankful for his leadership and dedication,” said Larry Weber, Board Member, and Chairman and CEO of Racepoint Global. “The Board of Directors will work closely with Scott and Sasaki-san to develop a strong and smooth transition plan for the company’s next phase of growth.”

Sasaki joined Macromill in 2003 and was appointed as Executive Officer of Corporate Strategy Division in 2010. Sasaki named Executive Officer, Head of Japan Operation in October 2015, and was anointed Representative Executive Officer in September 2018.

"The dramatic increase in consumer touchpoints and the emergence of Big Data and AI are significantly changing our clients' marketing activities. In response, the principles of Marketing Research and how we provide value needs to also evolve with these changing clients' demands", said Sasaki. "In this time of the great change, Scott has continuously provided the clear vision and direction for Macromill. We will continue to be agile and innovative while the digital transformation accelerates. Our new management team will unite and vigorously work to become a true marketing partner for our clients".

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