Wendy Clark to leave Dentsu as group moves to unitary structure
Dentsu International global CEO Wendy Clark is leaving the group after two years, as its Japanese headquarters has opted to transition to a single integrated structure “One Management Team”, discontinuing her role. The unified operation will be led by president & CEO of the parent company, Hiroshi Igarashi.
Clark moved across to the group from DDB in 2020, where she was global CEO. She will depart at the end of the year, as Dentsu looks to “accelerate its business transformation and promote operational excellence”.
Wendy Clark’s role is being phased out
The group said the integration marks a major step forward in the leadership team’s ongoing business transformation efforts, since the launch of the comprehensive review in 2020.
The changes will be effective from 1 January 2023 and will be as follows:
- Dentsu group will shift from operating through two business units—Dentsu Japan network (DJN), and Dentsu International (DI)—to a global “One Management Team” structure, with business operations conducted in four regions—Japan, Americas, EMEA, and APAC. The “One Management Team” led by president & CEO Hiroshi Igarashi will comprise a culturally diverse group of leaders with a wealth of knowledge and experience.
- Dentsu group will strengthen its client services by establishing a new client support platform to enhance the client experience at the global level and by promoting Integrated Growth Solutions (IGS), which bring together the diverse capabilities within the group.
- Dentsu group will globally integrate each of its corporate functions to build a common management platform. On September 15, 2022, dentsu group will launch a dedicated Integration Office to drive a seamless transformation process.
Igarashi said: “We are deeply grateful to Wendy for the significant contribution she has made in helping Dentsu Group and Dentsu International recover their performance and build a strong foundation for the future. The transition to the global “One Management Team” structure is an ongoing effort to realise the “comprehensive review” and “business transformation” of the entire group that we have been promoting since 2020. I am confident this will accelerate the group’s business growth and further enhance our corporate value. Making this a reality will require the close cooperation of the 67,000 employees across our global team.”
Clark added: “It’s hard to be prouder of our 46,000+ Dentsu International team members and leadership. It’s their brilliant thinking, hard work and commitment that has accelerated the opportunity for Dentsu International to now become fully integrated into Dentsu Group and led by One Management Team. While I will miss this team greatly, my confidence in them could not be higher and I will be cheering for their many successes to come.”
On her LinkedIn, Clark spoke at greater length about the company and its achievements over the two years she has led it.
“Make no mistake, this is progress not perfection. While we lead in certain aspects of our strategy, we have work to do in others and areas we need to improve upon as a company. But this performance is ahead of our mid-term management plan and as such the time is right for Dentsu International to integrate into Dentsu Group, led by Hiroshi Igarashi and one management team. As the outgoing DI CEO, I will help Igarashi-san and the DI Exec Team with this transition through the end of this year.”
“I will miss our entire team greatly as I genuinely love this company and all of you. But my soaring pride and confidence in everyone at Dentsu International simply could not be higher. I know first-hand the brilliant work and results you all are capable of delivering for our clients and the deep care you will take of each another along the way. Your continued success is certain.”
Until her role is officially discontinued on 31 December, Clark will carry on in her role, at which point she will also step down as director and executive officer of the company.
Dentsu said more updates will follow regarding the new global management structure and changes in the senior management lineup.
The move comes just two years ago after Dentsu Aegis Network (DAN) rebranded to Dentsu International, which followed a restructure to become a ‘pure holding group’ in late 2019, with ‘Dentsu Inc’ changing its trading name to ‘Dentsu Group Inc’.
Angela Tangas, who has now moved to London for her new UK&I role commented on Clark’s LinkedIn: “Wendy Clark, you are a superstar. Your championship for positive change will have a lasting impact on what comes next. Our momentum and this milestone is proof. You have been a wonderful, compassionate leader, mentor and friend. The ride has been a wild one, but hugely rewarding. Thankyou for YOUR instinctive generosity, graciousness, and most importantly, authentic leadership – a powerful combination! Onwards!”
While she is no longer based in the market, it is understood Tangas will continue to look after the Australian operations until the end of the year.
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Calum Jaspan was news editor at Mumbrella, based in Melbourne. He was also the producer and host of the Mumbrellacast. He left Mumbrella in May 2023.
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Seems the parent is taking back control of the “consultants” kids – hopefully a renewed focus on product and clients vs the cost control we’ve enjoyed for past 3 years at least
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