Dentsu Aegis announces regional leadership change

Dentsu Aegis Network (DAN) has announced the appointment of Takaki Hibino as executive chairman of Dentsu Aegis Network Asia Pacific, as Nick Waters, APAC CEO for nine years, moves to London to serve as executive chairman of DAN UK and Ireland. Hibino will start his new role in Singapore in January, and Waters will start in London in February.

Waters will be taking over from Stef Calcraft, who has stepped down as executive chairman of Dentsu Aegis Network UK and Ireland after less than a year, in what Campaign UK termed a "shock move".

“I’m excited to be taking on the role to lead the regional business in such a fast-growing and diverse region," Hibino said in a media release. "I travelled around Asia Pacific when I was based in Singapore and was inspired by the strong talent within the business. I look forward to working with everyone in the region to take Dentsu Aegis Network Asia Pacific on its next journey.”

Said Waters: “After nine years leading the business in Asia Pacific, it is time for me to do something different. To lead Dentsu Aegis Network in my home country—our second largest market globally—is a great opportunity for me. I thank all the tremendous people who have given me support over so many years. Together we have created a great business in the region, built through the hard work of an outstanding leadership team and many talented people across the business." He added that Hibino is a "top man" who will continue to take the company forward.