Dentsu announced widespread changes to its senior management and its board structure to lead the global advertising group to “the next phase of growth”.
President and CEO Toshihiro Yamamoto retires after for five years to be replaced by Hiroshi Igarashi, the current executive officer, Dentsu Japan Network.
Igarashi: “This moment ushers in an era of new leadership who will honour the unique strengths we have built in our over 120 years of operations while driving the continuous change required by our employees, our clients, our investors, and society."
New York-based Tim Andree sheds his executive role and becomes non-executive chairman of Dentsu Group Inc effective March.
Dentsu: “This reflects a new management structure where the chairman and CEO/President roles are separated. Andree’s extensive experience with Japan-based multinationals and contributions throughout his tenure to expanding dentsu global operations make him well-suited to the chairman role. His focus will be on driving collaboration, alignment, and continued sustainable growth.”
Four new independent directors will be appointed in March. Denstu: “The new appointments represent a cross-section of leaders, across a broad range of capabilities including global corporate management, digital, finance and audit to reinforce the governance that is the foundation of future growth."
Wendy Clark, the former DDB Worldwide CEO, keeps her leadership of dentsu international (DI). In her 14 months in the role, she has simplified the business, shrinking 160 agency brands to six global leadership brands.
She said: “These changes will only reinforce the progress we’ve made and strengthen our vision to partner with our clients to drive impact for them, for their customers, and for society.
In Japan, Norihiro Kuretani will step into the role of president and CEO, dentsu japan network (DJN), from the role of director, executive vice president of dentsu. He has been a key figure in the digitalisation of DJN.
Yamamoto said his retirement comes at an appropriate time, following the diversification of dentsu which has included the completion of the integration of Merkle; the pivot to data, insights, and consumer intelligence; as well as overseeing the transformation of the business and a return to growth.
Yamamoto on dentsu’s responsibility to society: “We exist to realise a better society by contributing to the growth of our clients, partners, people, and all consumers.
“These changes are designed to strengthen governance and advance the reforms and transformation that dentsu has established, to achieve sustainable growth and increase corporate value for Dentsu Group Inc.
“I have been the proud custodian of dentsu for five years and I am confident that Igarashi, Wendy, and Kuretani will lead our people, our clients, and our business into a new and exciting chapter of change.
Incoming president and CEO Igarashi said he was delighted and honoured to be appointed to the role and carry forward the strong legacy of an iconic global company with roots in Japan.
“We have a wonderful opportunity to continue building business in partnership with our clients, powered by our unique dentsu blend of creativity, innovation, and customer-centricity,” he said.
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