The Dentsu Group Inc. announced that Takeshi Sano has been appointed as the Executive Officer, President, and Global Chief Executive Officer of Dentsu, succeeding Hiroshi Igarashi.
This change in leadership will take effect after the company's 177th Ordinary General Meeting of Shareholders on March 27, 2026.
Igarashi's exit signifies the end of a nearly forty-year career at the organization, beginning in 1984. The company has stated that the change in leadership aims to enhance competitiveness by expediting transformation through a revamped management framework.
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Sano's promotion will coincide with the appointment of Yoshimasa Watahiki as Executive Officer, Executive Vice President, Global Chief Corporate Affairs Officer at dentsu, and concurrently as Chief Operating Officer at dentsu Japan. Watahiki's current role is the Chief Operating Officer at dentsu Japan.
The company announced that Igarashi will be stepping down from his role as Chief Executive Officer. Arinobu Soga, who currently holds the positions of Executive Officer, Executive Vice President, and Global Chief Governance Officer at dentsu, will also be resigning from his executive officer role.
Dentsu has further disclosed that Shigeki Endo, who currently serves as Executive Officer and Global Chief Financial Officer at the corporation, will assume the position of Director, Executive Officer, and Global Chief Financial Officer from March 27, 2026.
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Endo boasts a wealth of experience in the finance sector, having worked in similar capacities at esteemed companies such as ITOCHU, GE, BAT, and Accenture Japan prior to his tenure at dentsu. He was initially appointed as Global Chief Financial Officer Designate in July 2024 and officially took up the role of Global Chief Financial Officer in February 2025.
As Dentsu Inc. strives to expand and enhance its operational efficiency to foster continued growth, Sano will be resigning from his role as Representative Director, President, and CEO.
Matsumoto, the current Director of Dentsu Inc., will be taking over Sano's responsibilities.
The reorganization is taking place as Dentsu reported a significant consolidated net loss of 327.6 billion yen for the fiscal year ending in December 2025, primarily attributed to a 310.1 billion yen impairment charge associated with underperforming international ventures. The company experienced an increase in its loss, which grew from 192.1 billion yen in the previous year.
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The operating loss also saw a significant rise to 289.2 billion yen from 124.9 billion yen, despite a 1.7 percent increase in sales to 1,435.2 billion yen. In response to these financial outcomes, the company announced that it will not be distributing its annual dividend.