Dentsu CEO Igarashi: 2025 Young Lotus Workshop an example of the 'deliberate, multi-phase process' of company's One Dentsu initiative

Hiroshi Igarashi, President and Global CEO of Japanese advertising giant Dentsu Group Inc., said the 2025 Young Lotus Workshop is an example of the "deliberate, multi-phase process" of the company's One Dentsu initiative.

“Our transformation has not been purely theoretical," Igarashi told Manila Business Daily. "The execution of One Dentsu has been a deliberate, multi-phase process, and I want to acknowledge the role that our Global Chief Operating Officer, Takeshi Sano, has played in ensuring its successful implementation."

"His leadership in streamlining operations, driving efficiencies, and ensuring that the model is executed with precision across global markets has been invaluable," Igarashi said. "He has been instrumental in turning One Dentsu from a vision into a reality, reinforcing our commitment to true client-centricity.”

AdFest and Dentsu announced on March 14 the 34 young creatives selected to attend the 2025 Young Lotus workshop. This year's event, hosted by Dentsu, will focus on "The Collision of Creativity, Creativity++." Among the participants are teams from various cities, including a first-time team from Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia.

Alice Chou, chair of APAC & Taiwan Dentsu Creative Council and CCO of Dentsu Creative & dentsuMB Taiwan, along with Hitoshi Hamaguchi, president of APAC Practices and Practice president of creative APAC, will lead the workshop. The event aims to challenge participants to think beyond traditional boundaries.

"Guiding the next generation of talent is both a privilege and a responsibility," said Chou. "At Dentsu Creative, we are dedicated to redefining modern creativity and the ADFEST Young Lotus competition is a space for innovation and collaboration. We hope to inspire young creatives to bring their boldest ideas to life and look forward to uncovering the incredible potential of the next wave of creative thinkers."

"Dentsu Creative thrives on ideas that connect deeply with people and deliver meaningful impact," said Hamaguchi. "This workshop is a powerful reminder of the role creativity plays in addressing real world challenges while inspiring young talent to push the boundaries beyond imagination. I am excited to see how this fresh energy will shape the future of our industry and redefine the creative landscape."

The workshop will take place from March 18-20 and includes sessions led by top professionals from Dentsu. Participants will also complete a 24-hour creative brief for presentation to the Young Lotus Committee. Finalists will present their work on March 22 at an event where delegates can vote for their favorite team.

ADFEST invites attendees to its festival in Pattaya, Thailand from March 20-22. The organization supports creativity in Asia Pacific and MENA regions as part of its not-for-profit mission.

The company's "One Dentsu" vision aims to unify its diverse business units under a single, seamless structure to enhance collaboration, agility, and client service. As part of the company's recently announced Mid-Term Management Plan for 2025-2027, the initiative focuses on strengthening Dentsu’s global market presence, particularly in key regions such as Japan and the United States, while boosting its capabilities in media and integrated growth solutions.. The company has set ambitious financial targets, including 4% organic growth and an operating margin of 16-17% by fiscal year 2027.

Founded in 1901, Tokyo-based Dentsu is a global advertising and public relations company that operates across media, creative, and digital sectors, providing marketing and communications services to clients worldwide.