dentsu names new global CEO as Hiroshi Igarashi steps down

dentsu Group has unveiled a leadership restructure, appointing Takeshi Sano as its new representative executive officer and global CEO, effective after its annual general meeting on 27 March 2026. The move signals the Tokyo-based agency’s bid to accelerate transformation under a refreshed management structure.

Sano, who is currently CEO of dentsu Japan and deputy global COO, has been with the Japanese network since 1992. He climbed the ranks in the agency’s business produce divisions, later taking on senior roles focused on business transformation, digital consulting, and growth strategy.

Igarashi, who is stepping down as global CEO, departs after more than 40 years at dentsu. He held a range of leadership roles spanning account management, group strategy, and governance before becoming global CEO in 2022. His previous positions include co-COO of dentsu Group, president and CEO of dentsu Japan Network, and vice chairman of the Business Group.

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The reshuffle also promotes Yoshimasa Watahiki to executive vice president, global chief corporate affairs officer, and COO of dentsu Japan. Meanwhile, Arinobu Soga will exit as global chief governance officer.

dentsu said in a statement, the changes are intended to “strengthen competitiveness by accelerating transformation under the new management structure.” The appointments will be formalised at the board meeting following the 177th ordinary general meeting of shareholders.

The leadership shift follows another regional update from October last year, when dentsu named Yuichi Toyoda as CEO of dentsu Asia Pacific, effective 1 January 2026.

Toyoda, who has more than 30 years at the company and extensive experience across India, Thailand and China, previously led dentsu’s global business transformation practice and oversaw major turnarounds internationally. He also joined the group executive management team, reporting to Igarashi, while interim APAC lead Yoshiki Ishihara returned to his global chief strategy officer role at the end of 2025.

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