#Japan #Tokyo #APAC #Dentsu #Yuichi Toyoda

Dentsu Group Announces Appointment of Yuichi Toyoda as APAC CEO

In a significant leadership change, Dentsu Group has announced that Yuichi Toyoda has been appointed as the new CEO of Dentsu APAC, effective January 1, 2026. As the current Global Practice President for Business Transformation at Dentsu, Toyoda's new role marks a pivotal transition within the company to enhance its operations across the Asia-Pacific region.

Yuichi Toyoda has a rich career spanning over 30 years with Dentsu, beginning after he graduated from the University of California, Berkeley. His journey with Dentsu began in Japan, where he initially worked in the media and business production departments. Toyoda then took on the role of CEO in several key markets, including India, Thailand, and China, where he has successfully led significant restructuring and growth initiatives.

As Dentsu aims to strengthen its global management strategies by 2024, Toyoda is expected to play a vital role, joining the Executive Management team as the head of global BX. By 2025, he will again elevate his role to oversee Global Executive Director responsibilities, with expanded duties aimed at navigating Dentsu through an increasingly complex marketplace. The search for his successor in the current position will be announced in due course.

Meanwhile, Yoshiki Ishihara, who has been serving as APAC lead, will step down from his role and focus on his duties as the Global Chief Strategy Officer, ensuring strategic direction for the entire group. Ishihara has made significant contributions during his term, driving the APAC strategy while strengthening ties with Japan’s business operations, all while laying a solid foundation for the region's growth return.

Comments from Dentsu Executives

Hiroshi Igarashi, Dentsu Group's Global CEO

Igarashi highlighted Toyoda's extensive experience with global clientele and market management across APAC. He sees Toyoda as the right choice to lead the region’s recovery and ongoing growth, particularly as Dentsu pushes forward its mid-term management plan. Igarashi emphasized the importance of revitalizing overseas operations, especially in APAC, and expressed confidence that Toyoda would be instrumental in achieving their vision of creating positive societal impact through 'human-centric transformation.'

Yoshiki Ishihara, Global Chief Strategy Officer

Reflecting on his time as APAC lead, Ishihara expressed pride in having the opportunity to guide a critical region for Dentsu amidst a challenging environment. He credited the support of clients, partners, and employees in helping to build a necessary foundation for APAC's growth. He voiced belief in Toyoda's leadership, confident that under his guidance, the region would provide greater value to clients and markets alike.

Yuichi Toyoda, Incoming Dentsu APAC CEO

Toyoda shared his enthusiasm and sense of responsibility as he steps into this new role. He acknowledged the ongoing disruptions across industries in the APAC market and emphasized that these uncertainties bring forth unique opportunities. He articulated his commitment to leading Dentsu in building innovative business models that go beyond client expectations and support sustainable growth for both clients and society as a whole.

Dentsu Group is confident that under Toyoda's leadership, Dentsu APAC will achieve its growth recovery and sustainable advancement, aligning with the overarching vision of transforming the business landscape while contributing positively to societal progress.

For more detailed information on Dentsu's Business Transformation strategies, you can refer to their dedicated website at Dentsu BX.