Dentsu Group Inc., the multinational advertising and communications firm, has named Takeshi Sano as its new president and global CEO, effective March 27, 2026, as the company undertakes a overhaul of its leadership team. Sano, who currently serves as CEO of Dentsu Japan and deputy global COO, will spearhead the firm’s efforts to stabilise its international operations after years of financial strain.
The appointment comes in the wake of Dentsu reporting a net loss of ¥327.6 billion ($2.18 billion) for fiscal 2025, largely due to a ¥310.1 billion ($2.03 billion) goodwill impairment linked to underperforming international operations. The company also suspended its year-end dividend to preserve liquidity, raising concerns among investors about the sustainability of its global business model.
Brandspur Brand News reports that Dentsu had been considering the sale of its international business, which spans the Americas, EMEA, and APAC outside Japan. However, negotiations with potential buyers collapsed, leading the firm to pivot towards a strategy focused on restructuring and operational recovery rather than divestment.
As part of the leadership reshuffle, Dentsu has eliminated the global COO and global president roles, consolidating reporting lines so that regional CEOs and practice leaders will report directly to Sano. New positions in global transformation and corporate affairs have been introduced, while the company continues its cost-cutting initiatives, including previously announced layoffs.
In a statement, Dentsu emphasised that the new organisational structure aims to “enhance execution excellence and drive stronger growth outcomes for our clients,” signalling a renewed focus on stabilising overseas operations and improving profitability. The leadership changes mark a critical step in Dentsu’s efforts to recover from prolonged operational challenges and reinforce its global market position.
