Takeshi Sano named dentsu’s new Global CEO, to replace Hiroshi Igarashi
Takeshi Sano will take up the new role on March 27, 2026
by
Published: Feb 13, 2026 1:56 PM | 2 min read
Follow Us
- Dentsu Group Inc. will appoint Takeshi Sano as Executive Officer, President, and Global CEO effective March 27, 2026, succeeding Hiroshi Igarashi, who is stepping down after nearly 40 years with the company.
- Sano will also serve as CEO of Dentsu Japan and a part-time Director of Dentsu Inc., following the resolutions at the company's 177th Ordinary General Meeting of Shareholders and the Board of Directors meeting.
- Chisato Matsumoto has been named as the new Representative Director, President, and CEO of Dentsu Inc., effective April 1, 2026, succeeding Sano while continuing his role as Chief Client Officer of Dentsu Japan.
- Yoshimasa Watahiki will take on the role of Executive Officer, Executive Vice President, and Global Chief Corporate Affairs Officer at Dentsu, in addition to serving as COO of Dentsu Japan.
Dentsu Group Inc. has announced that Takeshi Sano will assume the role of Executive Officer, President and Global CEO of dentsu following the company’s 177th Ordinary General Meeting of Shareholders on March 27, 2026.
Sano will succeed Hiroshi Igarashi, who is set to step down after nearly four decades with the group. Igarashi joined the company in 1984 and has held several key leadership positions during his long tenure.
According to a company statement, “Takeshi Sano, who will step down from his current role as Representative Director, President & CEO of Dentsu Inc., is scheduled to assume the position of Representative Executive Officer, President & Global CEO of Dentsu Group Inc. following resolutions at the 177th Ordinary General Meeting of Shareholders of Dentsu Group Inc. and the subsequent meeting of its Board of Directors, both scheduled to be held on March 27, 2026. He will concurrently serve as CEO of dentsu Japan as well as a part-time Director of Dentsu Inc.”
Dentsu Inc. has also announced that, effective April 1, 2026, its Board of Directors has resolved to appoint Chisato Matsumoto as Representative Director, President & CEO. Matsumoto will take over the position previously held by Sano and will continue to serve concurrently as Chief Client Officer of dentsu Japan, which oversees and supports the group’s domestic operations.
Sano’s successor, Chisato Matsumoto, brings extensive experience across Dentsu’s Business Producers divisions and has spent years leading integrated solutions aimed at driving clients’ business growth. He has held several senior leadership roles, including Managing Executive Officer (Business Produce) of Dentsu Inc. and Chief Client Officer of dentsu Japan. Since January 2026, he has served as Director and Executive Vice President of Dentsu Inc.
In recognition of his track record in strengthening client engagement capabilities and driving business expansion across Dentsu Inc. and its domestic operations, Matsumoto has been appointed Representative Director, President & CEO of Dentsu Inc.
Alongside Sano’s appointment, Yoshimasa Watahiki will take on the role of Executive Officer, Executive Vice President, Global Chief Corporate Affairs Officer at dentsu, while also serving as COO of dentsu Japan.
Read more news about People Movement, Internet Advertising, Marketing, Digital Media, PR and Corporate Communication
For more updates, be socially connected with us onInstagram, LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube & Google News
