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Dentsu Group Inc. Appoints Takeshi Sano as Global CEO in Major Leadership Overhaul

Prime Highlights

  • Dentsu appointed Takeshi Sano as President and Global CEO effective March 27, 2026, to drive transformation and improve overseas performance.
  • The company revamped its structure, with regional CEOs and practice heads now reporting directly to the Global CEO.

Key Facts

  • Sano will succeed Hiroshi Igarashi, while Chisato Matsumoto will lead Dentsu Inc., which generates about 40% of the group’s net revenue.
  • A new Global Management Team has been formed, with Yoshimasa Watahiki expanding governance duties and Shigeki Endo continuing as Global CFO.

Background

Dentsu Group Inc. has appointed Takeshi Sano as President and Global CEO, effective March 27, 2026, as part of a broad leadership restructuring aimed at accelerating its transformation and improving global performance.

Sano, currently CEO of dentsu Japan and Deputy Global COO, will succeed Hiroshi Igarashi, who will step down from both the top role and the Group Management Team. Sano will also relinquish his position as President and CEO of Dentsu Inc., the group’s main operating agency, which generates about 40% of net revenue. Chisato Matsumoto will take over that role.

The company has created a new Global Management Team and removed the positions of Global COO overseeing regions and Global President overseeing practices. Under the revised structure, regional CEOs and practice heads will report directly to the Global CEO to speed up decision-making and execution.

Yoshimasa Watahiki will become Director, Representative Executive Officer, Vice President, and Global Chief Corporate Affairs Officer while continuing as COO of dentsu Japan, with a focus on governance. Shigeki Endo will remain Global CFO and work on strengthening the company’s financial base and cash generation.

Several senior leaders, including Arinobu Soga and Giulio Malegori, will exit the Group Management Team, with Malegori moving into an advisory role.

Dentsu said the new structure will sharpen accountability, support its midterm strategy, and help improve performance in overseas markets. Sano said the company will focus on delivering end-to-end growth solutions for clients while reinforcing trust with stakeholders and enhancing corporate value.