Hiroshi Igarashi, President and Global CEO of Japanese advertising giant Dentsu Group Inc., said the the appointment of Shigeki Endo as the company’s new Global Chief Financial Officer reinforces the company’s commitment to its “One Dentsu” strategy.
"By eliminating silos and fully integrating our capabilities across media, creative, and digital solutions, we are ensuring that clients no longer must navigate a maze of disconnected agencies and business units," Igarashi told Business Daily. "Instead, they receive a single, cohesive team that is deeply attuned to their specific needs, operating with speed, efficiency, and strategic clarity.”
Dentsu announced the appointment of Endo to the Global CFO position on Feb. 14. Endo had been the Global CFO Designate since July 2024.
Endo’s career spans key financial leadership roles across multiple industries. He began at ITOCHU Corporation in 1994 before moving to General Electric (GE) in 2000, where he specialized in internal audit, M&A integration, and process improvement. He later joined British American Tobacco (BAT) in 2011, serving as Head of Finance in Japan and Southeast Asia, before becoming Managing Director and Japan CFO at Accenture in 2018.
At Dentsu, Endo worked alongside outgoing CFO Arinobu Soga to drive financial transformation ahead of officially stepping into the role. As Global CFO, Endo will be responsible for shaping and implementing Dentsu’s financial strategy while reinforcing governance structures to support the company's long-term growth.
"My appointment to Global CFO comes with a mission to support the growth of Dentsu," Endo said. "It is a great honor to assume this position at a critical time when Dentsu's new Mid-Term Management Plan 2025-2027 has just been announced.”
Endo succeeds Soga, who will transition into the role of Global Chief Governance Officer, focusing on strengthening Dentsu’s governance framework.
"His diverse experience and extensive knowledge gained in the finance area of several global companies make him the ideal candidate to lead the global finance function of Dents,” Igarashi said of Endo.
Dentsu's "One Dentsu" vision aims to unify its diverse business units under a single, seamless structure to enhance collaboration, agility, and client service. As part of the company's recently announced Mid-Term Management Plan for 2025-2027, the initiative focuses on strengthening Dentsu’s global market presence, particularly in key regions such as Japan and the United States, while boosting its capabilities in media and integrated growth solutions.. The company has set ambitious financial targets, including 4% organic growth and an operating margin of 16-17% by fiscal year 2027.
Founded in 1901, Tokyo-based Dentsu is a global advertising and public relations company that operates across media, creative, and digital sectors, providing marketing and communications services to clients worldwide.