Asatsu-DK chief bows out after Mitsubishi loss

TOKYO: Asatsu-DK president Tsutomu Takeda has stepped down

following the loss of its largest client, Mitsubishi Motors (media, 17

August), worth about US$80 million.

The role has been filled by Koichiro Naganuma, a director of Asatsu's

International department and head of the joint Asatsu-WPP holding

company.

The change was made to rejuvenate the agency in difficult times, and to

respond to needs arising from the globalisation of the ad industry.

Naganuma is a fluent English speaker with US work experience. "He brings

an unrivalled international perspective to the business as well as a

profound understanding of the domestic issues to be faced," said an

industry analyst.