JWT Japan sheds 20 staff amid restructure

The voluntary retirement scheme was confirmed by Tom Doctoroff (pictured), JWT’s area director for North Asia, who said the agency had selected people for the scheme “based on future needs”.

Sources within Japan believe that JWT Japan is looking for new senior management. Doctoroff declined to comment on the rumours, adding that Mark Webster is still in place as CEO of the company.

The company has been reorganised into three groups: one to handle network clients, one for local clients and one for outbound Japanese clients. Each group has its own account leader, planning leader and creative leader. 

Doctoroff confirmed that the agency was looking to build its Japanese client base as global brands shift resources out of the market into countries such as China. 

“Local assignments have growing momentum within JWT, partly due to the efforts of our senior local staff,” he said. “The opportunity lies with moderate-sized Japanese clients. Our future is not going to be lie with the behemoths.”

JWT Japan’s clients include Unicharm and Taylor Made Golf.