Dentsu Group has announced a significant leadership transition, with president and global CEO Hiroshi Igarashi set to step down next month. He will be succeeded by long-serving Dentsu executive Takeshi Sano.
The appointment has been approved by the Tokyo-based holding company’s board of directors and will be formalised following the shareholder meeting scheduled for March 27, along with a subsequent board meeting. The announcement comes shortly before Dentsu is due to release its fourth-quarter and full-year 2025 earnings.
Sano currently serves as CEO of Dentsu Japan and deputy global chief operating officer of the group. Having joined Dentsu in 1992, he has progressed through the Business Produce divisions, was appointed managing director in 2017, and later assumed executive officer roles spanning business transformation, digital consulting and growth from 2021 onward.
His elevation reflects Dentsu’s strategic focus on strengthening its BX and DX capabilities, with the board signalling its intent to accelerate transformation and enhance competitiveness under the new leadership structure.
Igarashi’s exit brings to a close a nearly 40-year tenure at Dentsu, which began in 1984. Over the years, he held several senior roles across account management, governance and group strategy, before taking over as president and global CEO in 2022. His previous positions also include co-chief operating officer of Dentsu Group, president and CEO of Dentsu Japan Network, and vice chairman of the Business Group.
The leadership change follows recent challenges for the group, including stalled efforts to divest its international business after multiple potential buyers, including rival agency networks and Apollo, exited discussions. Bain Capital remains the only party still engaged in talks.