Takashi Aoki to Succeed G. Watson as CEO of McCann Worldgroup Holdings

Leadership Transition at McCann Worldgroup

On August 20, 2025, McCann Worldgroup Holdings announced that Takashi Aoki will officially take over the role of President and CEO from G. Watson, effective October 2. This strategic leadership transition marks a significant milestone for the company, as it aims to bolster its positioning in Japan’s dynamic market.

Aoki's Background and Experience

Takashi Aoki brings to the role over 25 years of extensive experience in the fields of creative, digital, and integrated marketing. He began his career as a content planner and writer and has spent a substantial part of his career at WPP, where he held various significant roles, including over seven years at J. Walter Thompson’s Shanghai office, where he steered brand growth across Asia.

In 2018, Aoki joined the Publicis Group, where he played a crucial role in establishing a digital transformation agency for global automotive brands. He further held key positions, serving as the General Manager of Search and Search Tokyo and Managing Director of Media.Monks Tokyo. Under his leadership, McCann has received multiple awards from Campaign Magazine, including in Creative, New Business, and Production categories, recognizing its excellence in the industry.

Aoki took the helm as President of McCann Erickson in October 2023, focusing on strategy, creativity, and exceptional organizational management to foster business growth. He is also a member of the Japan Advertising Association Board and serves on the Advisory Committee for Advertising Week Asia.

Strategic Vision for the Future

With his new appointment, Aoki aims to integrate the creative, digital, and production capabilities of McCann Worldgroup in Japan under a cohesive strategic vision. Alongside this responsibility, he will also continue as President of Craft Worldwide, emphasizing collaboration and innovation.

G. Watson expressed profound gratitude for her experience leading McCann Worldgroup in Japan, remarking on the honour of steering an organization that promotes growth and a culture of collaboration. She praised Aoki for being a vital player in the company’s success. Watson noted Aoki's strategic leadership over the past two years, highlighting his strong commitment to clients and teams.

Endorsements from Leadership

Gassan Harfouch, APAC President and CEO of McCann Worldgroup, shared his appreciation for Aoki's strategic vision and leadership skills, emphasizing that Aoki's detailed understanding of diverse markets will be instrumental as he leads the company into its next growth phase.

Aoki's Commitment

Commenting on his new role, Aoki stated, “I am excited to step into the role of CEO of McCann Worldgroup Holdings, succeeding G. Watson. The reforms and evolutions we have driven over the past two years have generated significant results, positioning us to adapt dynamically to this transformative era. I will focus on expanding capabilities and integrating our solutions to enhance the value of our iconic agency, providing exceptional solutions to our clients.”

About McCann Worldgroup

McCann Worldgroup is a global leader in creative solutions and a member of the Interpublic Group (NYSE: IPG), committed to building enduring brands together across 100 countries. In 2024, McCann Worldgroup was recognized as