dentsu picks new chief strategy officer of clients and solutions

Dentsu has appointed Clay Schouest as chief strategy officer of client and solutions in the APAC region in what is a newly created role. Clay will lead the strategy and vision for dentsu’s client portfolio, building integrated, end-to-end solutions that deliver client revenue growth, profitability and satisfaction.

Schouest commenced work on 20 September and is currently based in Singapore. His appointment marks his return to the agency and Asia after having worked at dentsu for over 10 years from 2010 to 2021.

During his tenure at dentsu, Schouest climbed up the ranks while holding a range of roles. He began his time at dentsu international in 2010, where held the roles of EMEA communications planning director in London, head of strategy and innovation in China, regional strategy leader of the APAC region and chief strategy officer of the APAC region before becoming the global head of communications panning.

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After his time at dentsu international, Schouest joined Reckitt as its global communications strategy director from 2021 to 2023, before heading back to dentsu as chief strategy officer.

During his illustrious career, Schouest worked with brands such as Coca-Cola, Unilever, P&G, Diageo and L’Oreal. “With a passion for creative thinking and innovation, Schouest has worked in key markets across the world including New York, London, Amsterdam and Shanghai,” dentsu said.

Prior to getting his start at dentsu, Schouest also worked at Mindshare UK from 2006 to 2010 where he held the roles of global business planning director and global client leadership. Prior to Mindshare, Schouest was at McCann Worldgroup from 1996 to 2005, where he was an account planner as well as a strategic planning manager.

“Some of my most memorable and career-defining years were at dentsu and I am delighted to be returning back to the business and a region I have missed and call home. There is no question that Asia is the most exciting region in the world with its exponential growth in wealth and population creating significant opportunity for brands,” Schouest said about his new role.

He added that to thrive in Asia, brands have to truly understand the vast profiles of the Asian consumer and how best to engage with them given the strength of local brands and the proliferation of channels these consumers chose to engage with. “I’m looking forward to re-engaging with dentsu’s clients in Asia and partnering with them to deliver on their long-term priorities and to identify new paths to growth,” Schouest said.  

“Schouest is a truly global citizen having lived and worked across major markets in all three regions giving him a unique ability to build hyper-relevant strategies that deliver long-term growth and loyalty for brands,” said Yusuke Kasahara, the CEO of client and solutions of the APAC region.

Kasahara added that Schouest will be working closely with dentsu’s chief client officer and CEO of media in the APAC region, Prerna Mehrotra to build a culture of client-centricity and excellence. “Drawing on his 25 years of experience, he will help our clients navigate the complexity of the marketplace with laser-sharp focus on delivering solutions to help them achieve their growth ambitions. I am delighted to welcome Schouest back to dentsu and back to Asia,” Kasahara added.

Dentsu also recently appointed Mehrotra as chief client officer of dentsu APAC in May this year, which, just like Schouest’s role, was newly created. Mehrotra focuses on designing and delivering an elevated client experience across dentsu’s service in creative, media and customer experience management.

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