Grey names new managing director for Japan

Grey has appointed Kimihiro Takano (pictured) as managing director of Grey Japan, effective 1 July 2025. The previous Grey Japan CEO Masahiko Okazaki, will be taking on a new position as executive vice president of business innovation at WPP, in Japan.

Reporting to Kyoko Matsushita, CEO, WPP in Japan and working closely with Grey's APAC CEO Sarah Trombetta, Takano joins to accelerate growth as well as innovate and focus on delivering effective solutions for clients.     

Takano’s appointment follows Masahiko Okazaki taking on a new position as executive vice president of business innovation at WPP in Japan. Takano will work with the current leadership team to ensure a seamless transition into his new role as he partners with Grey’s roster of top-tier local and international clients.  

Takano comes from Wieden+Kennedy Japan, most recently as business director, he was responsible for the Japan and Korea markets. He has also held senior positions at PARTY, dentsu and the Tohokushinsha Film Corporation. 

With over 15 years of experience in advertising, consulting, and creative, Takano’s experience spans a range of industry sectors, such as financial services, publishing, electronics, film and video production, entertainment, media, and content creation.  

He has led numerous local and international projects, including the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, where he managed key stakeholders such as the International Olympic Committee (IOC), the Japanese government, and the Tokyo Metropolitan Government.   

Takano’s appointment reflects Grey’s broader investment in world-class leadership across its global footprint, alongside other appointments such as Elvis Li as China president for Grey, Agnes Fischer as Grey's New York CEO, Harsh Kapadia as Grey's India CCO, and Helen Rhodes as Grey's London CCO. 

Matsushita, said: "I am truly delighted to welcome a new leader to Grey, an agency which has achieved numerous accomplishments in the Japanese market within the WPP network. I also want to express my gratitude for Okazaki’s leadership thus far, and I look forward to his continued contribution to the growth of WPP's business as a member of WPP’s Japan executive committee."    

Trombetta said: “Takano is a dynamic, ambitious leader who is shaping the modern face of our industry in Japan. Through his diverse experience, Takano recognises the need to blend creativity with innovation to solve business challenges. This, we believe, will be critical to continue to elevate our strategic partnership with clients and brands navigating radical digitisation.” 

“Takano embodies the values at the core of Grey’s culture and the WPP network, built on open minds, a spirit of collaboration and commitment to extraordinary creativity. We are excited for him to write the next chapter for Grey Japan,” she added. 

Takano, shared: "Grey has built an impressive track record in Japan for over 60 years, establishing itself as a truly global agency. I am honoured to join Grey Japan as part of this legacy. Guided by the principle of 'Famously effective,' our strength lies in addressing essential business challenges, driving brand growth, and creating 'Cultural value' that propels people and society forward. I aim to deliver new value that combines the cultures of Japan and the global landscape to pioneer the next era."    

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