UPDATE: Dentsu Group Inc. has just announced a revolutionary new global management structure aimed at enhancing execution capabilities and driving client growth. This change, effective on March 27, 2026, includes the pivotal appointment of Takeshi Sano as the new President & Global CEO, replacing Hiroshi Igarashi.
This urgent restructuring comes as Dentsu faces mounting challenges in a rapidly evolving business landscape. The company aims to strengthen its operational execution and foster deeper trust with clients and stakeholders alike. With Sano at the helm, Dentsu is poised to harness its solid business foundation and cultural strengths to accelerate transformation and growth.
In fiscal year 2025, despite difficulties in international markets, Dentsu’s ongoing transformation has laid a robust groundwork for future expansion. Under Sano’s leadership, the company has achieved a remarkable 11 consecutive quarters of revenue growth and maintained high profitability, primarily through Dentsu Inc., which accounts for nearly 40% of the Group’s net revenue.
Sano’s role as CEO of Dentsu Japan has been instrumental, allowing him to bridge operations between domestic and international markets. His experience will be crucial as he continues to drive growth in Japan while also facilitating overseas expansions for Japanese clients. His dual leadership is expected to create significant synergies, enhancing Dentsu’s global reach and effectiveness.
In addition to Sano, Yoshimasa Watahiki has been appointed as the new Global Chief Corporate Affairs Officer, a role pivotal for reinforcing governance across Dentsu’s global operations. Watahiki brings extensive experience from his tenure as COO of Dentsu Japan, where he successfully implemented reforms that bolstered both business and management structures.
Shigeki Endo, who has been serving as Dentsu’s Global CFO, will continue in his role, focusing on enhancing corporate value and achieving sustainable financial growth. Endo’s leadership has been marked by a commitment to rebuilding the management foundation and generating steady results in challenging economic climates.
The new management structure eliminates the Global COO role, allowing regional CEOs and practice Presidents to report directly to Sano. This strategic move is designed to enhance operational unity and accelerate decision-making, directly addressing client needs more effectively.
As Dentsu embarks on this significant transformation, the company emphasizes its commitment to maximizing client growth and enhancing stakeholder trust. “We will reinforce trust with stakeholders and steadily advance the sustainable enhancement of our corporate value,” Sano stated in a recent announcement.
In the coming months, all eyes will be on Dentsu as it implements this new management approach. The implications of this restructuring will be closely monitored by industry experts and investors, particularly as the company seeks to solidify its position as a premier global growth partner.
For further information, visit Dentsu Group Inc.’s official website or follow their latest updates through corporate communications.
