Dentsu Aegis Network names APAC lead for Solutions team as Joanna Catalano exits

Dentsu Aegis Network (DAN) has named Yusuke Kasahara CEO, Solutions, Asia Pacific, effective immediately, while maintaining his role as head of corporate strategy, Asia Pacific. Based in Singapore, Kasahara (pictured) will report to Masaya Nakamura, CEO, global solutions and Ashish Bhasin, CEO, DAN Asia Pacific. Kasahara also joins the Asia Pacific executive team.

In his new role, Kasahara will be responsible for leveraging the strength of DAN's network to identify and solve client challenges. He has been in the industry for nearly 20 years and has lived and worked in London, Amsterdam, Tokyo and Singapore in both Dentsu and Dentsu Aegis. 

Solutions was formed early last year when DAN restructured its media and performance business in Singapore. It is designed to build new revenue streams, create strategic client opportunities, accelerate product development and cultivate meaningful partnerships. The Asia Pacific hub was previously led by president, Solutions, Asia Pacific, and CEO, iProspect Asia Pacific, Joanna Catalano. She recently left the business with the intent to return to Europe.

Kasahara said he is excited to be taking on this new challenge. "Solutions is a critical differentiator for our network, pulling in the best talent from across our capabilities with our client’s needs at the core," he said.

He explained that the world is becoming increasingly complex and consumers are looking to brands that they can relate to on a micro-level while still delivering a globally consistent narrative across multiple markets and platforms. Kasahara also thanked Catalano for her work in establishing the Solutions hub in Asia Pacific and offering "solid foundations" to deliver DAN's strategy. "I wish her every success  in her new endeavour," he said.

Bhasin added that clients are looking for agencies that can offer the breadth and depth of their capabilities with simplicity. As such, integrated growth strategies across media, creative and CRM must become the new normal. 

"Kasahara's unique experience coupled with his energy and vision for the business will ensure this remains core to progress and help clients navigate the ever-changing demands of the world we now live in," he added.

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