Dentsu reshuffles executives amid ongoing reforms

Dentsu has appointed two advisors to its president, Toshihiro Yamamoto, as part of an annual reshuffle of executive officers. The counselors, Yoshio Takada and Wataru Mochizuki, are expected to support Yamamoto in implementing reforms to Dentsu’s working environment, among other responsibilities.

In a statement, Dentsu said it has “reviewed a series of duties at the executive officer level” to take into account its reform process.

Among the newly appointed executive officers is Shun Sakurai, a corporate advisor of Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Bank, who has been named as an outside executive officer. According to Dentsu, Sakurai will be responsible for "strengthening overall internal control, including thorough compliance with laws and regulations from outside the group". Another notable appointment is Chieko Ohuchi, Dentsu’s most prominent female creative leader.

Among the outgoing executive officers are Shoichi Nakamoto, senior executive vice-president and CFO; Hiroaki Sano, who as senior vice-president in charge of global business has played an important role in managing the relationship between Dentsu Inc and Dentsu Aegis Network; and Toshiya Oyama, the former head of Dentsu Digital, a standalone digital marketing company that was established in 2016.

Dentsu Digital’s leadership changed in January, with Norihiro Kuretani appointed CEO. In March, the company appointed a president and COO, Yoshihisa Suzuki.