Dentsu Group Inc., the prominent global advertising and public relations conglomerate based in Tokyo, has officially announced a sweeping new global management structure designed to fortify execution excellence and propel enhanced growth outcomes for its diverse clientele. This strategic reorganization, which includes the pivotal appointment of Takeshi Sano as President and Global CEO, is scheduled to take effect on March 27, 2026.
Strategic Restructuring for Enhanced Execution
In a formal statement released from Tokyo, Dentsu emphasized that the new management framework is meticulously crafted to build upon the company's solid business foundation and the robust culture cultivated as a global organization. Despite facing persistent challenges in overseas operations amid a rapidly evolving business landscape throughout fiscal year 2025, Dentsu's ongoing transformation initiatives have successfully established a resilient platform for its next growth phase.
The restructured approach will leverage heightened integrity and governance awareness now deeply embedded across the entire group. These concerted efforts are projected to accelerate the company's transformation trajectory, foster greater client growth, and deepen trust with key stakeholders, including clients, investors, and shareholders. Ultimately, this initiative aims to ensure the sustainable enhancement of corporate value on a global scale.
Leadership Transition and Key Appointments
A central element of this global management overhaul is the elevation of Takeshi Sano to the role of President and Global CEO. Sano currently holds the positions of CEO for dentsu Japan and Deputy Global Chief Operating Officer for dentsu. His extensive experience and proven track record position him as an ideal leader to steer the company through this transformative period.
Sano also serves as President and CEO of Dentsu Inc., the core operating entity that generates approximately 40% of the Group's net revenue and more than half of its underlying operating profit. Under his stewardship, Dentsu Inc. has evolved into a true Integrated Growth Partner, achieving an impressive streak of 11 consecutive quarters of revenue growth and recording high profits for two consecutive years.
Furthermore, since 2023, Sano has spearheaded the growth and global expansion of dentsu's Business Transformation (BX) division in his capacity as BX CEO. From 2025 onward, while serving as Deputy Global COO and CEO of dentsu Japan, he has delivered significant results in global management. These achievements are rooted in the strong client trust built within the Japanese market and include strengthening the integration of domestic and international operations, supporting Japanese clients in overseas business expansion, and extending dentsu Japan's capabilities into global markets.
Future Directions and Synergistic Growth
In 2026, Sano will continue to serve as CEO of dentsu Japan, thereby maintaining the growth momentum of the Japan business, which is a critical pillar supporting the Group's consolidated performance. This dual role is expected to create further synergies between Japanese and overseas operations, accelerating the execution of the midterm management plan and driving the recovery and growth of the international business segments.
Concurrently, as Dentsu Inc. strives to achieve additional growth by preserving and strengthening its decision-making and execution speed as an operating company, Sano will step down from his position as Representative Director, President, and CEO of Dentsu Inc. Chisato Matsumoto, currently serving as Director of Dentsu Inc., will assume Sano's current responsibilities, ensuring a seamless transition and continuity in leadership.
This comprehensive restructuring underscores Dentsu's commitment to adapting to dynamic market conditions and reinforcing its position as a global leader in the advertising and communications industry. By aligning leadership with strategic objectives, the company aims to deliver sustained value and innovative solutions to clients worldwide.
