Dentsu Elevates Takeshi Sano to Global CEO in Sweeping Leadership Overhaul

Dentsu Group Inc. has unveiled a sweeping overhaul of its top leadership, naming Takeshi Sano as Executive Officer, President and Global Chief Executive Officer, effective March 27, 2026. He will succeed Hiroshi Igarashi, who steps down after more than four decades with the company.

The transition will be formalised at the company’s 177th Ordinary General Meeting of Shareholders.

Strategic Shift at the Top

The leadership change signals a broader recalibration of Dentsu’s global operating model as it seeks sharper execution and closer alignment across markets.

Sano currently serves as CEO of Dentsu Japan and Deputy Global Chief Operating Officer. Under his stewardship, the Japan business has delivered consistent revenue momentum and strengthened profitability, while expanding its business transformation and consulting capabilities beyond traditional advertising services.

The group’s domestic market remains central to its performance, contributing a significant share of consolidated revenue and underlying operating profit. Sano is expected to continue overseeing Dentsu Japan through 2026, reinforcing tighter integration between domestic and international operations.

End of a Long Tenure

Igarashi’s departure concludes a career that began in 1984. During his tenure, he held multiple senior roles and guided the company through a period of global expansion and structural reform.

The company stated that the leadership transition is designed to accelerate competitiveness and simplify governance as it navigates a challenging international business climate.

Leaner Global Structure

As part of the restructuring, Dentsu will eliminate the roles of Global COO and Global President. Regional CEOs and global practice leaders will now report directly to the Global CEO, reducing layers within the organisation and concentrating accountability at the top.

The reconfigured Global Management Team will oversee operations spanning roughly 120 countries, reflecting Dentsu’s intent to operate as a more unified global network.

New and expanded leadership mandates include:

• Yoshimasa Watahiki appointed Executive Officer, Executive Vice President, Global Chief Corporate Affairs Officer, Dentsu, and COO of Dentsu Japan. His remit expands to include governance, compliance and risk oversight across the group.

• Shigeki Endo to become Director, Executive Officer and Global Chief Financial Officer effective March 27, 2026, strengthening financial discipline across markets.

• Chisato Matsumoto to assume the role of Director, President and CEO of Dentsu Inc.

Watahiki joined Dentsu in 1990 and also serves as chairman of the Japan Interactive Advertising Association. Endo brings prior finance leadership experience across multinational corporations before joining Dentsu’s executive ranks.

Focus on Execution and Accountability

The structural reset reflects the group’s effort to move from strategic transformation plans to measurable operational delivery. While the Japan business has shown stability, overseas performance remains a priority area for improvement.

By flattening reporting lines and centralising authority, Dentsu aims to improve decision-making speed, strengthen client responsiveness and drive more consistent performance across regions.

With Sano assuming the global helm next month, the company enters a new chapter marked by streamlined governance, concentrated leadership authority and renewed emphasis on execution in an increasingly competitive global advertising market.