Dentsu's APAC CEO Ashish Bhasin steps down

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Dentsu International's APAC CEO and India chairman, Ashish Bhasin (pictured), will be retiring from the agency. The agency's spokesperson confirmed the news to MARKETING-INTERACTIVE, adding that he sought early retirement and today marks his last day after 13 years in the group. Bhasin also helmed the position of interim CEO for India after the departure of Anand Bhadkamkar in August 2021.

To manage his transition, APAC CFO Simon Jones and COO Belli Mathanda will be working closely with global CEO Wendy Clark to have a greater focus on the region during this time supported by the APAC executive team.

"This strong team is well placed to continue the positive transformation underway in the region as we simplify how we operate and bring together our leading capabilities in service of our clients in creative, media and CXM to realise our global ambition to be the most integrated agency network in the world," the spokesperson said. Bhasin was first named APAC CEO in 2019. He was previously CEO of Dentsu Aegis Network Greater South. When Bhasin was first appointed, his main focus was to accelerate growth while delivering "greater operational rigour and leadership excellence" across the region.

Takaki Hibino, executive director at dentsu, said previously that Bhasin was a "clear candidate" from the start, given his proven track record of delivering long-term and consistent growth. "Under his leadership, the business in India is now the second largest advertising and media organisation by revenue in the market. His long-term vision coupled with his acumen for identifying an opportunity is one of the best in the business,” he added.

According to his LinkedIn, Bhasin has 33 years of experience as an advertising and media professional. He was with dentsu for about 13 and a half years. Prior to that, he was EVP LoweWorldwide and asia regional director - integrated marketing at Lintas India for 20 years, and president at Initiative Media for six years before that.

His departure comes alongside a group-level change in Japan which saw Hiroshi Igarashi being promoted to group president and CEO, effective March 2022. Igarashi will replace Toshihiro Yamamoto, who will retire from his roles as chairman of the board, representative director and president and CEO, dentsu Group. At the same time, Tim Andree will step down from his executive role to take on the role of non-executive chairman of the Board.

Dentsu Group reported an organic growth of 27.8% for the third quarter of 2021, with dentsu japan posting an exceptionally strong quarter with +49.7% organic growth. According to the agency, its Japan operations exceeded expectations following a recovery across all ad mediums, with particular strength in TV and digital solutions. Meanwhile, dentsu international reported double-digit organic growth (+13.4%), strengthened by the continued recovery in media (+17.3%) as clients recognize the importance of brand investment to drive growth.

CXM also saw double-digit organic growth (11.2%). Strength in the structural growth areas of commerce and experience continued, with demand strong for technology implementation, data services and activation, through creative and media. Operating margin was substantially ahead of the prior year, showing the gearing effect of higher revenue together with the impact of continued cost reductions.

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