Takeshi Sano named dentsu’s new Global CEO, to replace Hiroshi Igarashi
Takeshi Sano will take up the new role on March 27, 2026
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Published: Feb 13, 2026 1:56 PM | 2 min read
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Dentsu Group Inc. announced that Takeshi Sano will take over as Executive Officer, President and Global CEO of dentsu after the company’s 177th Ordinary General Meeting of Shareholders on March 27, 2026.
He will replace Hiroshi Igarashi, who will step down after nearly four-decade stint at the group. Igarashihad joined the company in 1984.
“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.”, the company said in a statement.
Dentsu Inc. also announced that, effective April 1, 2026, its Board of Directors has resolved to appoint Chisato Matsumoto as Representative Director, President & CEO, the post earlier held by Takeshi Sano. Matsumoto will continue to concurrently serve as Chief Client Officer of dentsu Japan which oversees and supports dentsu's domestic business.
Chisato Matsumoto, Sano's successor, has significant experience in the Business Producers divisions and has led the delivery of integrated solutions that contribute to clients' business growth for many years. He has held key leadership roles, including Managing Executive Officer (Business Produce) of Dentsu Inc. and Chief Client Officer of dentsu Japan. He has served as Director and Executive Vice President of Dentsu Inc. since January 2026. In light of his proven track record of strengthening client engagement capabilities and leading business expansion across Dentsu Inc. as well as dentsu's domestic business, he was appointed as Representative Director, President & CEO of Dentsu Inc.
Along with Sano’s appointment, Yoshimasa Watahiki will be appointed Executive Officer, Executive Vice President, Global Chief Corporate Affairs Officer, dentsu, and COO, dentsu Japan.
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