Takeshi Sano will become the next President and Global CEO of Dentsu Group Inc., effective March 27, 2026, following the company’s 177th Ordinary General Meeting of Shareholders. The appointment marks a significant leadership shift for the Japanese advertising and public relations conglomerate as it navigates a period of financial difficulty and strategic restructuring.
Sano, currently CEO of Dentsu Japan and Deputy Global Chief Operating Officer, succeeds Hiroshi Igarashi, who is stepping down after more than 40 years with the company and having served as Global CEO since 2022. The change in leadership comes after Dentsu reported a net loss of ¥327.6 billion ($2.18 billion) for fiscal 2025, largely attributed to a ¥310.1 billion ($2.03 billion) goodwill impairment related to its international operations. The company also suspended its year-end dividend to conserve cash.
Dentsu had previously explored the possibility of selling its international business, encompassing operations in the Americas, EMEA, and Asia-Pacific excluding Japan. Still, those discussions were abandoned when potential buyers withdrew, leading the company to refocus on a turnaround strategy for its overseas holdings. As part of this restructuring, Dentsu is eliminating the roles of Global COO and Global President. Regional CEOs and practice leaders will now report directly to Sano.
The company stated the leadership changes are intended to “strengthen competitiveness by accelerating transformation under the new management structure.” Yoshimasa Watahiki has been promoted to Executive Vice President, Global Chief Corporate Affairs Officer, and COO of Dentsu Japan. Arinobu Soga will be leaving his position as Global Chief Governance Officer.
Sano joined Dentsu in 1992 and has held various leadership positions within the organization, focusing on business transformation, digital consulting, and growth strategy. He previously led Dentsu Inc., the company’s core Japanese business, through eleven consecutive quarters of revenue growth. Dentsu Inc. Currently accounts for approximately 40% of the group’s net revenue and more than half of its underlying operating profit.
“Dentsu will continue to sharpen the distinctive value that sets us apart and position ourselves as a true growth partner, supporting clients consistently from strategy through to execution,” Sano said in a statement.
The appointments will be formalized at a board meeting following the 177th Ordinary General Meeting of Shareholders on March 27, 2026.
