Hakuhodo names new CEO and president for Hakuhodo International

Hakuhodo has appointed Akihiko Imai (pictured) as the new president  and CEO of Hakuhodo International, effective immediately. Imai replaces Shuntaro Ito and  reports to Kenji Nagura, representative director and president of Hakuhodo.

Imai began his career at Hakuhodo in 1989 and has spent a majority of his professional journey at TBWA\HAKUHODO. He served as corporate officer of Hakuhodo from 2016, before being elevated to the role of senior corporate officer in 2021. He will serve as director and senior corporate officer of Hakuhodo
from today.

Throughout his career, Imai has held significant positions, including president & CEO of TBWA\HAKUHODO and director of TBWA\HAKUHODO China and OMD HAKUHODO. His contributions to the advertising industry underscore his impact and influence within the industry, showcasing his commitment to excellence and innovation in marketing and advertising.

With a wealth of experience in the marketing and advertising industry, Imai brings a strong track record of leadership and innovation to his new role. His appointment marks a significant step in Hakuhodo International’s commitment to enhancing its global presence and delivering exceptional value to clients
worldwide.

“I am honoured to take on this role and lead Hakuhodo International into its next chapter,” he said. “I look forward to working with our talented team to drive growth and innovation, and to further strengthen our relationships with clients around the globe as a creative force for meaningful change with sei-katsu-sha.”

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Back in February, Hakuhodo strengthened its leadership team with new senior hires, including Kenji Nagura being named representative director and president, Masayuki Mizushima transitioning to the role of chairman alongside his CEO remit and Hirotake Yajima as representative director and vice chairman of Hakuhodo DY Holdings.

The changes to the executive officers, including the representative directors, were passed at the meeting of Hakuhodo's board of directors held on 12 February, according to the release.

Having joined Hakuhodo in April 1991, Nagura started as the general manager of account service division 12 in April 2014. He was then promoted to corporate officer in 2018, and then to senior corporate officer in 2021. Most recently, in 2023, he took on the role of director and senior corporate officer of Hakuhodo.

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