Hakuhodo India Group taps Jayanto Banerjee and Naoto Takahashi as Co-Managing Directors

They succeed Kosuke Kataoka, who returns to Hakuhodo Japan to take on new global responsibilities

by e4m Staff
Published: Jun 20, 2026 8:19 AM | 2 min read

Hakuhodo India Group has appointed Jayanto Banerjee and Naoto Takahashi as Co-Managing Directors, succeeding Kosuke Kataoka, who returns to Japan after 16 years in India.
Jayanto Banerjee has over 30 years of experience in brand building in India and the Middle East, while Naoto Takahashi brings expertise in corporate strategy and cross-border business integration from Japan.
Under Kosuke Kataoka's leadership, Hakuhodo India expanded its services and reputation for creative, data-driven marketing solutions.
The new Co-Managing Directors aim to enhance Hakuhodo India's integrated-services model and strategic capabilities, focusing on delivering value to clients and driving business success.

Hakuhodo India Group has announced the appointment of Jayanto Banerjee (Banjo) and Naoto Takahashi as Co-Managing Directors. They succeed Kosuke Kataoka, who after 16 years in India, returns to Hakuhodo Japan to take on new global responsibilities.

Jayanto Banerjee, brings over 30 years of experience in building brands across India and Middle East including a significant tenure at the heart of the Hakuhodo Network in India focused on strategy and human-centric design. Naoto Takahashi brings expertise in corporate strategy, cross-border business integration accumulated over several years in Japan.

Under Kosuke Kataoka’s leadership, Hakuhodo India has expanded its footprint, built a stronger integrated-services network, and enhanced its reputation for creative and data-driven marketing solutions.

Kosuke Kataoka, Managing Director, Hakuhodo India, said: “Over the past years, we have strengthened our portfolio, our teams, and our client relationships in India. With Jayanto and Naoto leading the business together, I am confident that Hakuhodo India will continue to grow, innovate, and deliver even greater value to our clients.”

Jayanto Banerjee, Co-Managing Director, Hakuhodo India, added: “India continues to be one of the most dynamic and fast-evolving markets in the world. Along with Naoto-san, our goal is to sharpen our integrated-services model, deepen our strategic and creative capabilities, and position Hakuhodo India as the preferred partner for growth-driven brands.”

Naoto Takahashi, Co-Managing Director, Hakuhodo India, said: “Blending Hakuhodo’s global insights with India’s local expertise, we will deliver smarter, more connected solutions for our clients. Above all, we are committed to driving client business success, while reinforcing our foundational principles: the ‘Sei-katsu-sha Centric Mindset’ and ‘Partner Approach.’ I’m excited to collaborate with Banjo-san (Jayanto), our exceptional teams, and partners to shape Hakuhodo India’s next growth chapter.”