Robert Heldt - Custom Media

Robert Heldt

Robert Heldt is the CEO and co-founder of Custom Media KK, an award-winning, bilingual, full-service B2B marketing agency based in Tokyo, Japan. As an agency, Robert and his team are adept at developing effective marketing solutions that blend data and creativity with both local and international expertise, helping their clients bridge the gap between Japan and the world.


As an experienced marketing leader, academic, and commentator, Robert has helped global brands from around the world enter and expand their Japan business. He is a firm believer in the power of story-telling, a digital pioneer (recently launching the award-winning www.GoConnect.jp platform that supports foreigners in Japan and maximizing their experience there), a strategic thinker, and a regular board member, mentor, and advisor for several organizations supporting businesses and the marketing industry as a whole in Japan.


Spotify
Apple
Google Podcast
Amazon Music
Tune In
Stitcher
iHeart Radio
Deezer

Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn: 


  • How digital marketing has evolved in Japan
  • How international businesses need to gain an appreciation of the decision making process within Japanese organisations to be successful
  • The power and significance of effective storytelling in successful Japanese marketing strategy


In this episode...


Robert talks about his marketing career background and his journey to becoming a business founder and leader in Japan.

 

How his earlier career in global hospitality helped him develop some of the essential skills required to be an effective international marketer.

 

Robert talks about some of the unique challenges international business leaders need to navigate in order to grow in Japan.

 

He offers insight into some of the unique characteristics of effective marketing campaigns in Japan and the steps international brands need to take in order to be successful there.

 

He shares some of his thoughts on the future of marketing in Japan and the rest of the world.


Resources mentioned in this episode:


Brandigo China

Steven Proud on LinkedIn

Mike Golden on LinkedIn

Robert Heldt on LinkedIn

Custom Media on LinkedIn

www.custom-media.com

Robert and artist, David Stanley Hewitt, discuss the importance of story telling at Advertising Week Asia 2023.


Sponsor for this episode...

This episode is brought to you by Brandigo China


We are an independent marketing and communications agency based in Shanghai, China With over 18 years of on-the-ground experience in China,


At Brandigo China, we work with multinational clients to support their marketing and business growth efforts in China.


We are experts in insight strategy, content marketing, marketing-led business growth campaigns and all things China-based marketing.


Go to www.brandigochina.com to learn more and contact us with questions at [email protected].


F1 car in Shanghai
By Steven Proud April 2, 2026
Three Lessons B2B Brands Can Learn from F1’s China Comeback
Koi
By Michael Golden March 20, 2026
Chinese AI platforms are changing how B2B buyers research vendors. Learn how GEO works in China, which platforms matter, and how to build visibility that lasts.
China B2B marketing horse
By Michael Golden March 5, 2026
Modern China B2B Lead Generation Tactics for 2026 - overview of all the main tactics and strategy to succeed in China Marketing.