New GM for Initiative as Fitzgerald departs

Initiative Japan has promoted Ako Yamagata to GM, filling the shoes of former national head Robert Fitzgerald (pictured) who is moving to New York to lead the media agency's North America East Coast operation (Media, 28 July). <br><br> Yamagata was previously brand planning director on Initiative Japan's massive Unilever account, currently in the midst of a review. Yamagata joined Initiative in 2005 from Twentieth Century Fox, where she was Asia-Pacific marketing manager. She takes charge of a 10-strong office, handling clients such as Computer Associates, Four Seasons, Peugeot and SC Johnson in addition to Unilever.