Hakuhodo splits divisions for growth

"By divesting authority to the new units, we hope to speed up decision-making and client service," a Hakuhodo representative said. "The increased number of account service units will allow us to better manage client conflict."

The agency has also created a new division specialising in public sector work to tap into a growing source of revenue. "More and more prefectural and city Governments are into regional revitalisation, and hoping to become a tourist destination," the agency said. "Regional branding is also a hot topic."

Early this month, Hakuhodo began merging its specialist units to provide more integrated services and develop closer relationships with clients. The agency has also created a new human resources development division to hone staff skills, separate from HR management and reporting directly to the company president Junji Narita. The new division has been charged with setting up an internal Haku-hodo University.

Meanwhile, Kazufumi Nagai, president and CD of subsidiary operation Hakuhodo Design, was named 2004 Creator of the Year by the Japan Advertising Agencies Association.