McCann Worldgroup Japan has entered a new chapter. Starting October 2, 2025, industry veteran Takashi Aoki will officially step into the role of Representative Director & CEO of McCann Worldgroup Japan and McCann Japan, succeeding Ji Watson, who returns to the United States after a transformative stint.
For Aoki, this appointment is less about stepping into big shoes and more about building on the momentum he has already helped create. With more than 25 years of experience across Asia’s advertising and branding landscape, he has earned a reputation as a leader who thrives on the integration of disciplines, cultures, and ideas. From senior roles at WPP’s J. Walter Thompson in Shanghai, to Saatchi & Saatchi Tokyo, Publicis Groupe, and later Managing Director of Media. Monk’s Tokyo, Aoki has consistently bridged local nuance with global creativity.
When he joined McCann in 2023 as President of McCann and Craft Japan, his task was clear: tighten collaboration across the creative and production arms while sharpening the agency’s strategic focus. Colleagues say he did exactly that, introducing new operational discipline without sacrificing the boldness that McCann is known for. Now, as CEO, Aoki will be expected to take that vision further—consolidating creative, digital, and production capabilities into a seamless offering for clients in Japan’s hyper-competitive market.
The leadership transition comes at a pivotal time. Japan’s advertising industry is facing sweeping change, from clients demanding faster, integrated solutions to an audience increasingly shifting to digital-first platforms. Outgoing CEO Ji Watson, who is widely credited with stabilising and growing McCann’s Japan operations, voiced confidence in Aoki’s leadership: “Takashi has the vision and capability to lead this agency into its next chapter. I leave knowing McCann Japan is in strong hands.”
Industry leaders outside the company echo the sentiment. Ghassan Harfouche, President of McCann Worldgroup APMENAT, pointed to Aoki’s proven leadership across markets and sectors, describing him as “the right person to guide McCann Japan through its next growth phase.”
For his part, Aoki struck a humble but determined tone in his first statement as incoming CEO. “It is a true honour to succeed Ji. We will continue to create integrated solutions that drive growth for our clients, while pushing the boundaries of creativity in Japan.”
As McCann Worldgroup Japan looks to the future, Aoki’s appointment signals continuity, but also ambition—a reminder that in an industry where disruption is constant, leadership grounded in both experience and vision is still the most valuable currency of all.