Dentsu Group Inc, simply known as Dentsu, has appointed Takeshi Sano as its new president and global CEO as it reshapes its leadership team. Sano, currently CEO of Dentsu Japan and deputy global COO, will step into the role on March 27, 2026.
According to reports, the change comes at a rocky time for the company. Earlier this month, Dentsu reported a ¥327.6 billion ($2.18 billion) net loss for fiscal 2025, largely driven by a ¥310.1 billion ($2.03 billion) goodwill impairment tied to its struggling international operations. The company also suspended its year-end dividend to preserve cash.
Dentsu stated that it has been exploring a sale of its international business, which includes operations across the Americas, EMEA, and APAC outside Japan, for months. According to a report from Campaign Asia, those talks fell apart after potential buyers walked away, and Dentsu is now focused on fixing the business instead of selling it.
As part of the leadership reset, the company is eliminating the global COO and global president roles. Regional CEOs and practice leaders will now report directly to Sano. Dentsu has also added new global transformation and corporate affairs roles and is continuing a cost-cutting plan that includes previously announced layoffs.
According to the company, the moves reflect a broader effort to steady its overseas operations after several difficult years.
In announcing the changes, Dentsu said the new structure is designed to “enhance execution excellence and drive stronger growth outcomes for our clients.”