Dentsu Group Inc. has announced a sweeping leadership restructure that will see Takeshi Sano appointed as Representative Executive Officer and Global CEO, effective following the board meeting after its 177th Ordinary General Meeting of Shareholders on 27 March 2026.
The Tokyo-headquartered advertising giant said the changes are aimed at “strengthening competitiveness by accelerating transformation under the new management structure,” signalling a renewed push to sharpen its strategic focus amid intensifying global industry disruption.
Sano to Lead Next Phase of Transformation
Sano, currently CEO of dentsu Japan and Deputy Global COO, will step into the top role after more than three decades with the company. He joined Dentsu in 1992 and built his early career within the agency’s business produce divisions before moving into senior leadership roles centred on business transformation, digital consulting and growth strategy.
In recent years, he has played a pivotal role in steering structural reform and operational integration within the group, positioning him as a continuity candidate with a mandate for change. His elevation underscores dentsu’s intention to double down on transformation and competitiveness across global markets.
End of a Four-Decade Era
Sano will succeed Hiroshi Igarashi, who will step down as Global CEO after serving the organisation for over 40 years. Igarashi joined dentsu in 1984 and held multiple senior leadership positions spanning account management, group strategy and governance.
Before being appointed Global CEO in 2022, he served as co-COO of the group, President and CEO of dentsu Japan Network, and Vice Chairman of the Business Group. His tenure at the helm coincided with a period of structural reorganisation and global portfolio alignment.
Expanded Roles for Watahiki; Governance Exit
As part of the reshuffle, Yoshimasa Watahiki has been promoted to Executive Vice President and Global Chief Corporate Affairs Officer, while continuing as COO of dentsu Japan. The move consolidates corporate affairs oversight alongside operational leadership in the domestic market.
At the same time, Arinobu Soga will step down from his position as Global Chief Governance Officer, marking another senior-level transition within the executive team.
Regional Realignment in Asia Pacific
The global changes follow a key regional leadership update announced in October last year. dentsu named Yuichi Toyoda as CEO of dentsu Asia Pacific, effective 1 January 2026.
Toyoda, a three-decade veteran of the network, brings extensive regional and international experience, having worked across India, Thailand and China. He previously led dentsu’s global business transformation practice and was credited with overseeing major turnaround initiatives in several markets.
With his APAC appointment, Toyoda also joined the Group Executive Management team, reporting to Igarashi at the time. Meanwhile, interim Asia Pacific lead Yoshiki Ishihara returned to his role as Global Chief Strategy Officer at the end of 2025.
A Broader Structural Reset
The upcoming board approvals after the shareholders’ meeting will formally seal the leadership transitions, positioning dentsu with a refreshed executive lineup across global and regional tiers.
Together, the appointments reflect a broader structural reset at one of the world’s largest advertising and marketing services networks, as it seeks to navigate digital acceleration, AI-driven change and evolving client demands.
With Sano at the helm and new leadership alignment across corporate affairs and Asia Pacific, dentsu is entering its next chapter with a sharpened mandate: transformation at speed.
