Category: Asean

Posted on

Vivek Kumar Named President and CEO of JA Asia Pacific

Vivek Kumar

 

Vivek Kumar takes the helm of JA Asia Pacific

BOSTON, Feb. 15, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — JA Worldwide today announced that Vivek Kumar will serve as the next President and Chief Executive Officer of JA Asia Pacific. Vivek joins the organization at a moment when the Asia Pacific region is positioned to shape the global future: more than 60 percent of the world’s young people live in this diverse and rapidly transforming part of the world, making the region essential to JA’s mission to equip youth with the skills and confidence to thrive.

Vivek brings more than two decades of leadership experience across the private sector, public service, and international NGOs. He most recently served as the CEO of WWF-Singapore, supporting a global network with local, regional, and international dimensions. During his tenure, WWF-Singapore developed the organization, sharpened its strategic priorities, and deepened partnerships to deliver greater conservation impact, including advancing its pioneering work in carbon finance. These experiences align directly with JA’s operating model and the opportunities for scale across Asia Pacific.

Born and raised in Bihar, India, Vivek understood the profound role that education can play in expanding opportunity, as well as the consequences when systems fail to prepare young people for the world ahead. His early experience shaped a career-long commitment to improving how societies prepare youth for work, for community, and for economic mobility, and he has long advocated for education systems that “truly connect young people to the real world.”

Before joining WWF, Vivek built a distinguished career that spanned regional leadership roles at multinational corporations such as Shell and at the Labour Movement in Singapore progressively taking on new roles and responsibilities. “I’m hopeless at preventing myself from raising my hand when a worthy challenge presents itself,” he says with a smile, an instinct that has fueled his willingness to step into complex challenges and lead mission-driven transformation. Throughout his path from business to public sector to civil society, education has remained a constant theme.

JA Asia Pacific is among JA Worldwide’s most dynamic regions, operating in some of the world’s largest economies and fastest-growing communities. Through hands-on programs in entrepreneurship, work readiness, and financial capability, JA member locations in the region deliver transformative experiences to millions of young people each year while strengthening digital and hybrid learning pathways, expanding partnerships with industry and government, and building a strong base of local leadership committed to preparing youth for the future of work.

JA Asia Pacific Board Chair PG Raghuraman shared his confidence in Vivek’s leadership: “Vivek sees a significant opportunity for JA Asia Pacific to make an impact in the region and its growing young communities. An avid reader, he brings a deeply thoughtful, values-driven approach to leadership and is focused on strengthening how innovation, partnerships, and emerging technologies can expand opportunities for youth. We are delighted to have him join us at JA.”

JA Worldwide CEO Asheesh Advani emphasized the importance of Vivek’s appointment: “JA Asia Pacific is central to our global mission. With the majority of the world’s youth living in this region, the opportunities and responsibilities for preparing young people for meaningful work and economic participation are immense. Vivek’s experience leading impact-oriented transformation across sectors, as well as his commitment to youth opportunity, make him the right leader for JA Asia Pacific.”

Vivek expressed deep enthusiasm for the journey ahead. “I was born to educator parents in a small town and, from an early age, I saw how education can bring hope and open doors for young people. I admire JA’s ability to help young people see what’s possible, to build confidence through real-world experiences, and to connect education to opportunity. The region’s diversity and energy are unmatched, and I’m excited to work alongside our member organizations to expand JA’s impact and support millions more young people in discovering their potential.”
Vivek also joins the JA Worldwide Senior Leadership Team.

About JA Worldwide and JA Asia Pacific
JA Worldwide is one of the world’s largest and most impactful youth-serving nonprofits, delivering more than 23 million hands-on, immersive student learning experiences each year across more than 120 countries. Together with its regional operations—including JA Asia Pacific—the organization works to ensure that young people everywhere have the skillset and mindset to build thriving communities. Visit jaworldwide.org and jaasiapacific.org.

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/5093aea3-0f62-4b1e-b01a-3ca7202ba934


Contact
Tere Stouffer
Chief Marketing Officer
JA Worldwide
+1-212-641-0747
[email protected]

GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 9655051

Posted on

Bodor Laser Hosts Annual Awards and Year Kickoff at New Global Headquarters Campus

JINAN, China, Feb. 14, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Bodor Laser gathered employees from across the company at Dream Park, its newly completed global headquarters campus, for its Annual Awards Ceremony and Year Kickoff event. Held under the theme “Park & Dreams,” the event marked both a review of 2025 achievements and the formal launch of the company’s next stage of development.

Keynote Speech by the President

Keynote Speech by the President

Keynote Speech by the President

In his keynote address, President Kong Jie outlined the vision behind Dream Park and reaffirmed Bodor Laser’s commitment to innovation and sustainable growth. Over the past 18 years, the company has expanded from its early facilities to the full operation of Dream Park, a milestone reflecting long-term investment in advanced manufacturing and global operations.

Designed as a modern industrial campus, Dream Park integrates production, R&D, office space, intelligent management systems, and employee facilities within a unified layout. The campus is intended to enhance operational efficiency while supporting a collaborative and people-centered working environment.

Despite a challenging global market environment, Bodor Laser reported solid performance in 2025, surpassing its annual objectives. The company ranked No. 1 globally in sales volume of fiber laser cutting machines (1,000W and above) for the sixth consecutive year (2019–2024), according to Qianzhan Industry Research Institute. During the year, more than 10,000 machines were delivered from the DreamSpace Super Factory, further strengthening production capacity and operational efficiency.

Additional milestones included the establishment of a South China headquarters in Shenzhen, expansion of sheet and tube laser cutting portfolios alongside a full welding solution lineup, three Red Dot Design Awards (including “Best of the Best”), and the launch of large-scale AI initiatives, including a proprietary AI agent to advance intelligent manufacturing integration.

Looking ahead, 2026 has been defined as a pivotal year. The company has set a revenue target of RMB 4.6 billion and plans to further consolidate global sales leadership, upgrade product portfolios, strengthen channel capabilities, and enhance innovation systems to support long-term strategic growth.

During the event, 19 award categories recognized nearly 300 employees for outstanding contributions, while 27 employees were honored for 10 years of service. With Dream Park fully operational, Bodor Laser aims to further strengthen collaboration across R&D, manufacturing, and global operations while advancing intelligent manufacturing worldwide.

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/4582890b-fad3-461b-951c-afb07560bad2

Contacts
Bodor Laser
www.bodor.com
Jack Thompson
[email protected]

GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 9654918

Posted on

Meltwater Earns Official Data Partner Status with Reddit

SAN FRANCISCO, Feb. 13, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Meltwater, a global leader in media, social, and consumer intelligence, today announced it has joined Reddit’s Official Data Partner program, a selective designation recognizing industry-leading platforms that help businesses do more with Reddit’s publicly available content. Partners must meet Reddit’s rigorous standards for functionality, data quality, and compliance.

This partnership continues Meltwater’s access to Reddit’s enterprise data APIs, allowing customers to unlock insights and signals from authentic sentiment from Reddit that shape consumer culture, preferences, and purchasing decisions, providing more accurate, real-time insights of aggregated consumer intent. Additionally, Meltwater gains the opportunity to collaborate with Reddit on future strategic and growth opportunities together.

With more than 121M daily active users, Reddit is one of the most influential platforms for product research, known for real-world opinions and honest reviews that consumers rely on for discovery and to inform decisions. Meltwater surfaces and enriches public Reddit posts and comments from more than 100K+ communities, transforming large-scale conversation into actionable insight for consumer-led brands. Paired with Meltwater’s AI-driven analytics and listening searches, organizations can uncover emerging trends, understand audience sentiment, strengthen product positioning, and benchmark brand performance with greater speed and confidence.

“Reddit has been a core source of consumer insight within the Meltwater platform for more than a decade, and we’ve seen its influence grow significantly over that time,” said John Box, CEO of Meltwater. “Joining Reddit’s Official Data Partner program is a natural extension of our long-standing relationship and reflects our shared commitment to delivering trusted, high-quality data. We look forward to deepening our collaboration with Reddit to continue providing customers with insight into the authentic public conversations shaping consumer behavior.”

“Reddit is the most human place on the internet and home to the most authentic, interest-led conversations,” said Jonathan Flesher, VP of Business Development at Reddit. “By partnering with Meltwater, we’re providing brands with the tools to responsibly tap into those insights, helping them move beyond just listening to really understanding and connecting with our communities in a meaningful way.”

This partnership reinforces Meltwater’s ongoing efforts to provide a complete view of brand and market intelligence across news, social, and other channels, ensuring customers have the most accurate picture to drive winning strategies.

For more information, please contact:
Stacy Slayden
Communications Manager
[email protected]

About Meltwater
Meltwater empowers companies with a suite of solutions that spans media, social and consumer intelligence. By analyzing ~1 billion pieces of content each day and transforming them into vital insights, Meltwater unlocks the competitive edge needed to drive results. With 27,000 global customers, 50 offices across six continents, and 2,200 employees, Meltwater is the industry partner of choice for global brands making an impact. Learn more at meltwater.com.

GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 9654266

Posted on

Omantel launches “Otech,” the Provider of Technologies of the Future and Enabler of Digital Transformation, and signs strategic partnerships

A unified company for future technologies, advancing digital sovereignty and opening promising tech pathways

  • Mulham bin Bashir Al-Jaraf: “Otech” is a strategic step reflecting the direction to maximise investments in the technology sector
  • Aladdin bin Abdullah Baitfadhil: Today we lay the foundations for a new era of innovation, competitiveness and economic diversification in Oman

MUSCAT, Sultanate of Oman, Feb. 13, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — As part of national efforts to accelerate digital transformation and strengthen the foundations of an integrated digital economy, and in line with strategic directions to unify technological capabilities and investments, Omantel launched (Wednesday, 11 February) “Otech,” the Provider of Technologies of the Future and Enabler of Digital Transformation. A number of strategic partnerships were also announced, reflecting the breadth of Otech’s ecosystem and the expansion of its operational scope.

The ceremony was held under the patronage of H.E. Abdulsalam bin Mohammed Al-Murshidi, President of the Oman Investment Authority, at the Royal Opera House Muscat, in the presence of representatives from the public and private sectors, along with a number of specialists and experts in technology and digital transformation.

H.E. Mulham bin Bashir Al-Jarf, Deputy President of the Oman Investment Authority for Investment and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Omantel, affirmed that the launch of Otech represents a consolidation of Omantel’s position as an integrated digital technology company and reflects its well-considered strategic transition from a telecommunications operator to a modern technology model that drives innovation and enables the digital economy.

He noted that this transformation comes in alignment with the objectives of Oman Vision 2040 and the Eleventh Five-Year Plan, particularly within the digital economy pillar and the development of knowledge- and technology-based sectors.

He added that Omantel adopts a comprehensive strategic vision that views technological transformation as an integrated ecosystem focused on modernising infrastructure, introducing digital solutions, building national capabilities, developing business models, enhancing cross-sector integration, and creating sustainable value for the national economy.

He further emphasised that Omantel places the Omani citizen at the heart of this vision, as the true driver of transformation and the foundation of its sustainability, through training, qualification and development of national talent in advanced fields such as digital solutions, cybersecurity, cloud computing and artificial intelligence, in line with the rapid global acceleration in the technology sector.

Al-Jarf added that the launch of the new identity of Otech represents a practical embodiment of this comprehensive strategic vision and reaffirms Omantel’s commitment to continuing its transformation into a leading national technology company that harnesses innovation to serve development and places the empowerment of Omani talent at the core of its journey toward the future.

Eng. Aladdin bin Abdullah Baitfadhil, Chief Executive Officer of Omantel and Chairman of Otech, stated that the launch of Otech marks a qualitative transformation in the company’s journey and in Oman’s digital sector. It reflects Omantel’s commitment to playing an active role in advancing national digital transformation. By establishing a unified technology ecosystem, the company is laying the foundations for a new phase centred on innovation and competitiveness, in line with national directives for economic diversification and the development of a knowledge- and technology-based economy.

He added that Otech will not only introduce the latest future technologies, but will also play a pivotal role in enabling the digital economy, which is a key pillar of Oman Vision 2040. This step reflects Omantel’s firm commitment to empowering national capabilities, accelerating digital transformation, and reinforcing Oman’s position as a regional hub for telecommunications and technology. He further noted that Otech will enable stakeholders to adopt and develop technologies with confidence, ensuring long-term resilience and readiness, and strengthening Oman’s digital presence regionally and globally.

Eng. Maqbool bin Salem Al-Wuhaibi, Acting Chief Executive Officer of Otech, said that the integration of Oman Data Park within the Otech ecosystem represents a qualitative leap in the development of digital infrastructure. The company will leverage its expertise in operating data centres and sovereign cloud services to support public and private institutions with high-quality solutions. Through this integration, it will also contribute to accelerating digital transformation, strengthening data localisation in Oman, and enabling government entities and private organisations to benefit from advanced cloud environments that meet current and future business needs.

During the ceremony, a number of strategic partnerships were announced, reflecting the diversity and breadth of the Otech ecosystem. These included a partnership with Oracle in hyperscale computing platforms through Oracle Alloy; a partnership with PwC to develop cybersecurity solutions and products and build local capabilities; a partnership with Nagarro for systems integration services in emerging technologies and sector-specific solutions; collaboration with Palo Alto Networks through Unit 42 in cyber threat intelligence and incident response; and a partnership with Fortinet in cloud-enabled SASE cybersecurity solutions. Additional collaborations include Nama Shared Services to build systems integration capabilities and smart utility solutions, as well as partnerships with Omani tech startups such as Orki in AI-powered recruitment platforms, Decoil in enterprise platforms and generative AI solutions, and Remedy as an AI-driven enterprise execution platform linking strategy to operational implementation.

The launch of Otech comes in response to the rapid growth of the ICT services market, which is expected to record strong growth rates driven by government digital transformation and the expansion of the digital economy, in line with the objectives of Oman Vision 2040 to build a diversified economy based on innovation, knowledge and advanced technologies.

Empowering national talent through specialised career pathways

The launch of Otech also aligns with Omantel’s strategic transformation from telecom operator into a comprehensive technology provider, in line with Oman Vision 2040. This includes building national capabilities, opening specialised technical career pathways, and providing continuous training programmes that prepare Omani talent to lead digital transformation and future technology projects, thereby enhancing the readiness of the national workforce for the digital economy.

Enhancing local value through unified technology assets

Otech embodies this direction as a trusted technology enabler for the Sultanate of Oman and a single point of contact for ICT solutions. It unifies investments and digital assets within Omantel’s integrated ecosystem and supports the Group’s transformation from a telecom operator to a comprehensive technology provider offering advanced solutions across data centres, cloud computing, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, Internet of Things and systems integration at both national and regional levels.

Otech is also consolidating the Group’s technology assets and expertise by integrating companies such as Oman Data Park and Tadoom under a single operating model, enhancing business efficiency and delivering local and regional added value. It provides secure, certified services compliant with local governance and regulatory requirements, making it a trusted platform for running mission-critical applications and systems nationally and regionally.

Digital sovereignty and the launch of the “Farq” Data Centre

As part of strengthening digital sovereignty, Otech relies on an advanced national technology infrastructure to support the operation of mission-critical systems and applications in line with the highest global standards. In this context, the “Farq” Data Centre was launched as one of the key pillars within the Otech ecosystem. It provides a secure, reliable and scalable digital environment designed to support critical operations and vital sectors around the clock, enhancing the resilience and sustainability of Oman’s national digital infrastructure.

Otech now operates the most diverse cloud computing ecosystem in Oman and is the first in the Middle East to obtain Amazon Web Services accreditation to deliver sovereign cloud services, reflecting its technical readiness and regional leadership. Its integrated cloud platform offers high flexibility to run workloads across any cloud environment from any location, covering public, hybrid and hyperscaler clouds, supported by strategic partnerships with global technology leaders such as Oracle, Google Cloud, Huawei and Amazon Web Services. This contributes to accelerating digital transformation, strengthening data sovereignty and enhancing the efficiency of the national digital infrastructure in line with Oman Vision 2040.

Local and international partnerships to localise and export technology

Otech’s vision is built on a network of local and international partnerships that combine global expertise with national knowledge, aiming to localise future technologies, transfer knowledge and build national capabilities in key technical fields. This will help create quality job opportunities and open new markets for exporting Omani technology solutions regionally and globally.

For media inquiries, please contact:

Muna Al Mamari
Manager Digital Press & Media
Phone: +968 24242743
Email: [email protected]

GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 1001164661

Posted on

PU Prime Secures CMA Licence in UAE, Expanding Its Global Regulatory Footprint

PU Prime Secures CMA Licence in UAE

The license (No. 20200000388) is issued under PU Prime Financial Services LLC and permits the company to conduct regulated activities of introduction and promotion within the UAE.

Dubai, United Arab Emirates, February 13th, 2026 – PU Prime, a leading global multi-asset broker group, is proud to announce that its Dubai-based entity has officially been granted a licence by the Capital Market Authority (CMA) of the United Arab Emirates. The license (No. 20200000388) is issued under PU Prime Financial Services LLC and permits the company to conduct regulated activities of introduction and promotion within the UAE.

This milestone marks a significant step in the group’s strategic global expansion and reinforces its commitment to providing a secure, transparent, and world-class trading environment for investors in the region. Currently, PU Prime already holds licences from several major jurisdictions, including Australia’s ASIC, South Africa’s FSCA, Mauritius’s FSC and Seychelles’s FSA.

The acquisition of the UAE licence serves as a testament to PU Prime’s dedication to regulatory excellence. By meeting the stringent standards set by the UAE’s capital market regulators, PU Prime joins an elite group of financial institutions authorized to operate within one of the world’s fastest-growing financial hubs.

“This is more than just a licence; it is a promise to our clients,” said Mr. Ali Afzaal, Head of Category at PU Prime. “The UAE is a pivotal market for us. By securing CMA oversight, we are demonstrating our commitment to supporting the region’s vision of a robust financial ecosystem. We want our traders to know that when they trade with licensed entities within the PU Prime group, they are backed by a brand that values integrity, transparency, and professional conduct above all else.”

The expansion into the UAE market forms part of PU Prime’s broader mission to support market participants globally. With this new regulatory authorisation in Dubai, PU Prime plans to strengthen its footprint in the region, host educational seminars, and promote financial awareness within the broader financial markets.

About PU Prime
Founded in 2015, PU Prime is a leading global fintech group and a multi-asset CFD brokerage brand operating through various licensed entities across multiple jurisdictions. Today, the group offers regulated financial products across forex, commodities, indices, shares, and bonds. Operating in over 190 countries with more than 40 million app downloads, the PU Prime group provides innovative trading platforms and an integrated copy trading feature, empowering traders worldwide to achieve financial success with confidence.

For media enquiries, please contact: [email protected]

Attachment

GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 1001164641

Posted on

Dentsu Announces New Global Management Structure

Takeshi Sano, President and Global CEO, Dentsu

Takeshi Sano, President and Global CEO, Dentsu

– Further Contributing to Client Growth by Strengthening Execution Capabilities –

TOKYO, Feb. 13, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Dentsu Group Inc. (Tokyo: 4324; ISIN: JP3551520004; Head Office: Minato-ku, Tokyo; President & Global CEO: Hiroshi Igarashi; the Company and its Group companies are hereinafter collectively referred to as “dentsu”) today announced a new global management structure — including the appointment of a new President & Global CEO — with the objective of enhancing execution excellence and driving stronger growth outcomes for our clients. The new structure will go into effect on March 27, 2026.

In FY2025, despite the continued challenges in the overseas business amid a rapidly changing business environment, dentsu’s ongoing transformation is already establishing a solid foundation for its next phase of growth. Under the new management structure, dentsu will further strengthen execution by building on its solid business foundation, the culture it has cultivated as a global organization, and the heightened integrity and governance awareness now embedded across the group. These efforts will accelerate transformation and drive greater client growth, while deepening trust with key stakeholders—including clients, investors, and shareholders—and ensuring the sustainable enhancement of corporate value.

A significant change within the Global Management Team responsible for global management is Takeshi Sano’s appointment to President & Global CEO. Sano currently serves as CEO, dentsu Japan & Deputy Global Chief Operating Officer, dentsu.

Sano, who also serves as President & CEO of Dentsu Inc., the core operating company that generates approximately 40% of the Group’s net revenue and more than half of its underlying operating profit, has evolved Dentsu Inc. into a true Integrated Growth Partner, achieving 11 consecutive quarters of revenue growth and recording high profits for two consecutive years. In addition, since 2023, he has led the growth and global expansion of dentsu’s Business Transformation (BX) as BX CEO, dentsu.

Furthermore, from 2025, while serving as Deputy Global COO of dentsu and CEO of dentsu Japan, he has achieved significant results in global management based on the strong client trust built in the Japanese market, including strengthening the integration of the domestic and international operations, supporting Japanese clients in expanding their businesses overseas, and extending dentsu Japan’s capabilities into global markets. By continuing to serve as CEO of dentsu Japan in 2026, he will maintain the growth momentum of the Japan business, which underpins the Group’s consolidated performance, while creating further synergies between Japan and the overseas business. This will accelerate the execution of the midterm management plan and drive the recovery and growth of the overseas business.

In addition, as Dentsu Inc. aims to achieve further growth by maintaining and strengthening its speed of decision-making and execution as an operating company, Sano will step down from the position of Representative Director, President & CEO of Dentsu Inc. Chisato Matsumoto, who is serving as Director of Dentsu Inc., will assume Sano’s current role.

Comment from Takeshi Sano, Director, Representative Executive Officer, President & Global CEO, dentsu (Effective from March 27, 2026):
“Amid rapid shifts in our business and competitive environment, we continue to thoughtfully evolve our leadership approach and management practices to support the pace of our transformation and strengthen execution, all while maximizing our contribution to client growth. Dentsu will continue to sharpen the distinctive value that sets us apart and position ourselves as a true growth partner, supporting clients consistently from strategy through to execution. By creating momentum for our clients, partners, people, and society, we will reinforce trust with stakeholders and steadily advance the sustainable enhancement of our corporate value.”

  • We have formed a new Global Management Team which prioritizes strengthening execution capabilities and accelerating the pace of transformation. Specifically, eliminating the Global COO role overseeing all regions and the Global President role overseeing all practices will allow the CEOs of each region and the Presidents of each practice—who build direct relationships with clients—to report directly to the Global CEO, enabling the management team to operate with greater unity and make swift decisions that prioritize client needs. Additionally, to accelerate global transformation, we have newly appointed a Global Chief Transformation Officer. Concurrently, to strengthen the governance foundation underpinning our global operations, we have also newly appointed a Global Chief Corporate Affairs Officer.
  • Yoshimasa Watahiki, COO, dentsu Japan, will assume the position of Director, Representative Executive Officer, Vice President and Global Chief Corporate Affairs Officer. After joining Dentsu Inc., Watahiki worked in the media division before serving in several leadership roles within the business management division, where he led the development and execution of business strategies. Since 2020, he has been involved in managing the Dentsu Japan Network (now known as dentsu Japan) as an Executive Officer. In 2023, he was appointed COO, dentsu Japan, driving reforms across both business and management structures while also serving as a board member for numerous group companies and overseeing their governance and management. Going forward, Watahiki will continue in his role as COO, dentsu Japan, while expanding his executive capabilities to the global level, working alongside the Global Management Team headed by Sano. In his new role as Vice President and Global Chief Corporate Affairs Officer, he will primarily be responsible for overseeing governance. In addition, he is scheduled to assume the position of Director and Representative Executive Officer of dentsu, subject to the necessary approvals.
  • Shigeki Endo will maintain his role as Global CFO. Endo has a track record spanning over 30 years of proven leadership experience in global finance. Starting his career at a Japanese trading company, he held positions in internal audit and CFO roles both within Japan and internationally at the US-based General Electric (GE) and British American Tobacco, accumulating extensive experience in global business operations. He subsequently served as Executive Officer and Japan CFO at Accenture Japan before joining dentsu in July 2024. Since February 2025, has accelerated business and management transformation from a finance perspective as Global CFO, dentsu. He has demonstrated exceptional execution capabilities, particularly in reviewing underperforming overseas businesses and rebuilding the management foundation, where he has delivered steady results. Moving forward, he will strive to enhance corporate value by strengthening the group’s financial foundation and achieving sustainable cash generation, thereby earning the trust of various stakeholders. Subject to the necessary approvals, he is also scheduled to assume the position of Director and Executive Officer at dentsu.

    * Takeshi Sano, Yoshimasa Watahiki and Shigeki Endo have been nominated as candidates for Director to be proposed at the 177th Ordinary General Meeting of Shareholders scheduled for March 27, 2026. In addition, following the conclusion of the same Ordinary General Meeting of Shareholders, they will be appointed to Executive Officers at the Board of Directors meeting. Takeshi Sano and Yoshimasa Watahiki are expected to be appointed Representative Executive Officers.

Global Management Team
The Global Management Team, consisting of the following 23 members, is responsible for managing the entire Group in approx. 120 countries, including the global headquarters, Dentsu Group Inc. Within this team, the members handling executive duties are referred to as “Global Executive Management.”

Global Executive Management appointments (13 leaders)
(Effective from March 27, 2026)

Change　in title Position as of March 27, 2026 Name Current position
** Director,
Representative Executive Officer, President & Global CEO, dentsu
CEO, dentsu Japan		 Takeshi Sano Executive Officer,
CEO, dentsu Japan &
Deputy Global Chief Operating Officer, dentsu
** Director,
Representative Executive Officer, Executive Vice President, Global Chief Corporate Affairs Officer, dentsu		 Yoshimasa Watahiki COO, dentsu Japan
** Director,
Executive Officer, Global CFO, dentsu		 Shigeki Endo Executive Officer, Global CFO, dentsu
* CEO, dentsu Americas & Chief Global Client Officer Beth Ann Kaminkow CEO, dentsu North America
CEO, dentsu EMEA Andre Andrade CEO, dentsu EMEA
CEO, dentsu APAC Yuichi Toyoda CEO, dentsu APAC
Global Practice President – Media & Integrated Solution, dentsu Will Swayne Global Practice President – Media & Integrated Solution, dentsu
Global Chief Creative Officer, dentsu Yasuharu Sasaki Global Chief Creative Officer, dentsu
Global Practice President – CXM, dentsu Pete Stein Global Practice President – CXM, dentsu
Global Chief HR Officer, dentsu Miho Tanimoto Global Chief HR Officer, dentsu
* Global Chief Transformation Officer, dentsu Noritaka Omi Global Chief Business Operations Officer, dentsu
* Global Chief Brand Officer, dentsu Jean Lin Global President – Global Practices, dentsu
* Chief New Ventures Officer, dentsu Yoshiki Ishihara Global Chief Strategy Officer, dentsu


Global Management appointments (10 leaders) 
(Effective from March 27, 2026)

* Corporate Secretary & Deputy General Counsel, dentsu Tadashi Nagae Global Corporate Secretary & Deputy Global General Counsel, dentsu
Chief Intelligence Officer, dentsu Kimiya Satake Chief Intelligence Officer, dentsu
Global Head of Internal Audit, dentsu Hideo Hatano Global Head of Internal Audit, dentsu
Global General Counsel, dentsu Alison Zoellner Global General Counsel, dentsu
Global Chief Sustainability Officer, dentsu Yuko Kitakaze Global Chief Sustainability Officer, dentsu
Global Head of Internal Control & Risk, dentsu So Aoki Global Head of Internal Control & Risk, dentsu
Global Chief Information Officer, dentsu Alex Bedier Global Chief Information Officer, dentsu
* Chief of Staff, dentsu Manus Wheeler Chief Brand & Culture Officer, dentsu
Global Chief Communications Officer, dentsu Jeremy Miller Global Chief Communications Officer, dentsu
Chief Data & Technology Officer,
dentsu		 Shirli Zelcer Chief Data & Technology Officer, dentsu


Representative Executive Officer Changes (as of March 27, 2026）

The following executives will step down from the Group Management Team: Hiroshi Igarashi (Director, Representative Executive Officer, President & Global CEO, dentsu), Arinobu Soga (Director, Representative Executive Officer, Executive Vice President, Global Chief Governance Officer, dentsu), and Giulio Malegori (Executive Officer, Executive Vice President, Global Chief Operating Officer, dentsu & Chairman, dentsu Americas) who will transition to become Executive Senior Advisor.

Details of each new role: (“dentsu” from each position is omitted.)

  • Global Chief Corporate Affairs Officer
    Oversees group-wide governance, including Legal & Compliance, Internal Control & Risk, and Sustainability, ensuring robust corporate governance and accountability across the global organization.
  • Chief Global Client Officer
    Leads the global client management strategy, aligning regions, categories, and capabilities to unlock growth opportunities and deliver consistent, long-term value for clients worldwide.
  • Global Transformation Officer
    Accelerates enterprise-wide transformation by leading critical global initiatives and aligning strategies, operations, and technology across the organization.
  • Global Chief Brand Officer
    Leads the group’s brand vision, positioning, and architecture, strengthening a consistent global brand story and reputation to drive strategic growth.
  • Global New Ventures Officer
    Drives strategic growth by integrating high-potential global capabilities and accelerating new ventures from early exploration through to scalable business growth.
  • Chief of Staff
    Supports the CEO Office by strengthening alignment between executive leadership and global business, enabling clearer prioritization, faster decision-making, and coordinated execution.

For further information, please refer to the following news releases on our website.
https://www.group.dentsu.com/en/news/release/

  • Notice Regarding Candidates for Directors and Executive Officers of Dentsu Group Inc.
  • Notice Regarding Change in Representative Executive Officer of Dentsu Group Inc.
  • Notice Regarding Changes in Representative Director and President & CEO of Dentsu Inc.

Contact:
Group Corporate Communications Office
Dentsu Group Inc.    E-mail: [email protected]

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/23fb3144-0535-48ed-a9cf-75eedd1f72ab

GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 1001164623

Posted on

RLC Global Forum and Hamat Celebrate Industry Leadership at the 2026 RLC Honors in Riyadh

RLC Global Forum and Hamat Celebrate Industry Leadership at the 2026 RLC Honors in Riyadh

On 3 February 2026, #Hamat had the honor of hosting the RLC Global Forum Honors Gala Dinner in Riyadh, in partnership with the RLC Global Forum. It was a privilege to celebrate leadership, legacy, and lasting impact with an exceptional global community.

  • Recognizing lifetime contribution and sustained leadership across the global retail and consumer ecosystem.
  • In partnership with Hamat, advancing a shared commitment to long-term value creation and industry leadership.

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, Feb. 12, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — On February 3, Hamat, together with the RLC Global Forum, co-hosted the RLC Honors Gala Dinner, welcoming senior leaders from the global retail, luxury, and consumer ecosystem for an evening celebrating excellence, leadership, and lasting impact.

Held on the sidelines of the 2026 RLC Global Forum, the RLC Honors recognize individuals whose careers have transformed businesses, industries, and markets over time. More than a celebration of success, the Honors reflect RLC’s belief that leadership is defined by consistency, responsibility, and the ability to build relevance and resilience through periods of change.

The 2026 RLC Honors were presented in a unique, intimate setting in Riyadh in partnership with Hamat, a longstanding supporter of RLC Global Forum and its community. Hamat’s continued engagement underscores a shared commitment to long-term value creation and the advancement of the retail and consumer sectors.

This year’s ceremony celebrated two exceptional individuals whose influence has left a lasting mark on both global and regional retail.

Marco Bizzarri, former CEO of Gucci and now entrepreneur and investor, received the Lifetime Achievement Award for Excellence in Luxury Retail. Widely regarded as one of the most influential leaders in modern luxury, Bizzarri transformed Gucci into a global cultural force, redefining creative leadership, brand relevance, and long-term brand equity.

Ingie Chalhoub, Founder and President of the Etoile Group, was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award for Pioneering Women’s Leadership in Retail. A visionary force in the Middle East’s luxury retail evolution, Chalhoub has played a pivotal role in shaping the region’s premium retail ecosystem while championing women’s leadership and entrepreneurship.

Speaking at the ceremony, Panos Linardos, Chairman of RLC Global Forum, highlighted the importance of recognizing consistency of leadership and depth of contribution over an entire career. In parallel, Hamat’s leadership emphasized the importance of platforms that connect global insight with regional execution, reinforcing Saudi Arabia’s growing role in shaping the next chapter of global retail.

Together, RLC Global Forum and Hamat, in partnership, reaffirmed a shared purpose: to recognize leadership that lasts, foster meaningful global exchange, and contribute to a more resilient, relevant, and forward-looking retail industry.

Contact:
Sudarshan Singh
[email protected]

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/58c15ee5-2a6a-47b1-b6ba-3adbc9ba299f

GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 1001164409

Posted on

RLC Global Forum and Hamat Celebrate Industry Leadership at the 2026 RLC Honors in Riyadh

RLC Global Forum and Hamat Celebrate Industry Leadership at the 2026 RLC Honors in Riyadh

On 3 February 2026, #Hamat had the honor of hosting the RLC Global Forum Honors Gala Dinner in Riyadh, in partnership with the RLC Global Forum. It was a privilege to celebrate leadership, legacy, and lasting impact with an exceptional global community.

  • Recognizing lifetime contribution and sustained leadership across the global retail and consumer ecosystem.
  • In partnership with Hamat, advancing a shared commitment to long-term value creation and industry leadership.

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, Feb. 12, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — On February 3, Hamat, together with the RLC Global Forum, co-hosted the RLC Honors Gala Dinner, welcoming senior leaders from the global retail, luxury, and consumer ecosystem for an evening celebrating excellence, leadership, and lasting impact.

Held on the sidelines of the 2026 RLC Global Forum, the RLC Honors recognize individuals whose careers have transformed businesses, industries, and markets over time. More than a celebration of success, the Honors reflect RLC’s belief that leadership is defined by consistency, responsibility, and the ability to build relevance and resilience through periods of change.

The 2026 RLC Honors were presented in a unique, intimate setting in Riyadh in partnership with Hamat, a longstanding supporter of RLC Global Forum and its community. Hamat’s continued engagement underscores a shared commitment to long-term value creation and the advancement of the retail and consumer sectors.

This year’s ceremony celebrated two exceptional individuals whose influence has left a lasting mark on both global and regional retail.

Marco Bizzarri, former CEO of Gucci and now entrepreneur and investor, received the Lifetime Achievement Award for Excellence in Luxury Retail. Widely regarded as one of the most influential leaders in modern luxury, Bizzarri transformed Gucci into a global cultural force, redefining creative leadership, brand relevance, and long-term brand equity.

Ingie Chalhoub, Founder and President of the Etoile Group, was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award for Pioneering Women’s Leadership in Retail. A visionary force in the Middle East’s luxury retail evolution, Chalhoub has played a pivotal role in shaping the region’s premium retail ecosystem while championing women’s leadership and entrepreneurship.

Speaking at the ceremony, Panos Linardos, Chairman of RLC Global Forum, highlighted the importance of recognizing consistency of leadership and depth of contribution over an entire career. In parallel, Hamat’s leadership emphasized the importance of platforms that connect global insight with regional execution, reinforcing Saudi Arabia’s growing role in shaping the next chapter of global retail.

Together, RLC Global Forum and Hamat, in partnership, reaffirmed a shared purpose: to recognize leadership that lasts, foster meaningful global exchange, and contribute to a more resilient, relevant, and forward-looking retail industry.

Contact:
Sudarshan Singh
[email protected]

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/58c15ee5-2a6a-47b1-b6ba-3adbc9ba299f

GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 1001164409

Posted on

CGTN: President Xi’s Spring Festival tour highlights China’s care for people

Chinese President Xi Jinping wrapped up his Spring Festival inspection tour in Beijing on Tuesday. Over two days, Xi’s visits highlighted China’s focus on elderly care, emerging forms of employment and urban renewal. CGTN explores the tour in depth, showcasing how it reflects a resolute people-centered governance approach: every measure is aimed at addressing urgent public needs and ensuring cities truly serve as homes that benefit the people.

BEIJING, Feb. 11, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Standing at an eatery tucked into a Beijing hutong, Chinese President Xi Jinping checked the day’s menu and prices, and asked about meal services for seniors. At a nearby senior apartment, he inquired about residents’ health checkups, rehabilitation programs, and daily care.

Xi, also general secretary of the CPC Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, made the visit to an elderly care service zone in Xicheng District on Tuesday as part of a two-day Spring Festival inspection tour, China’s most important traditional holiday, which symbolizes a time of renewal, warmth and the strengthening of family bonds.

Beyond his Monday stop at a national information technology innovation park to review technological innovation – a long-standing priority – Tuesday’s tour highlighted China’s ongoing push to strengthen social welfare and livelihoods, with particular focus on elderly care, protections for workers in new forms of employment, and advancing urban governance.

Elderly care service

The elderly care service zone President Xi visited is part of Beijing’s 2024 livelihood improvement initiatives. Spanning 510 meters, it brings together 12 service providers including a cultural center and an elderly apartment, with barrier-free facilities and age-friendly renovations.

Official data shows China’s population aged 60 and above has reached 320 million, accounting for about 23 percent of the total population. In recent years, authorities have stepped up measures to address population aging, including expanding pension coverage and strengthening community-based elderly care networks.

Currently, the number of participants in China’s basic pension insurance system has exceeded 1.07 billion, covering the entire eligible population. Nationwide, China has more than 400,000 elderly care facilities and nearly 8 million care beds. China is also accelerating the development of a care network that coordinates home-based, community-based and institutional services, while integrating elderly care with medical care and rehabilitation support. Urban “15-minute elderly care service circles” are also taking shape.

According to China’s 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-2030), the country will further expand basic elderly care services, strengthen urban and rural care networks, and accelerate age-friendly, barrier-free upgrades to public facilities. It also urges efforts to promote the growth of the “silver economy,” developing industries and services for an aging population.

“Caring for and supporting the elderly is a shared responsibility of the whole society,” Xi said, urging efforts to create better conditions for them to enjoy happy and fulfilling twilight years.

New forms of employment

Outside of the canteen, Xi met three delivery workers who were resting there and asked about their workload, income and their holiday plan. He appreciated their contributions to the functioning of urban life.

Xi said cities could not operate without them and urged local authorities to provide better support for workers in new forms of employment, including services related to living, working and learning.

China has about 84 million workers engaged in new forms of employment, most of them under 35, according to official figures. As of November 30, 2025, China’s annual express delivery volume surpassed 180 billion parcels for the first time, underscoring the scale of demand that has emerged alongside the country’s rapidly expanding platform economy.

China’s 15th Five-Year Plan identifies high-quality full employment as a key livelihood goal, calling for stronger labor rights protections and improved social security for workers in new forms of employment. The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security said on January 27 that China will draft measures to protect the basic rights and interests of such workers.

Urban renewal and governance

Xi also visited the Longfusi commercial area in Dongcheng District, touring a Spring Festival market and browsing stalls selling New Year goods.

Longfusi has long been one of Beijing’s most well-known temple fair locations. In recent years, the area has undergone renovation and redevelopment, turning it into a commercial district that blends traditional cultural elements with modern consumer experiences.

The project reflects China’s broader push for urban renewal. In recent years, the country has promoted large-scale renovations of aging residential communities and dilapidated housing, built pocket parks and urban greenways, and revitalized historic neighborhoods, old buildings and industrial heritage sites while strengthening integration with surrounding communities.

Official data shows that during the past five years, China renovated more than 220,000 old residential communities, benefiting nearly 39 million households. In 2025 alone, China launched renovation projects for 27,100 old urban communities and installed 14,000 elevators. The country also built more than 4,700 pocket parks and over 5,800 kilometers of urban greenways, and renovated 156,000 kilometers of underground pipeline networks in 2025.

Xi’s visit comes as China continues to emphasize domestic policy priorities aimed at improving people’s livelihoods. His attention to elderly care, employment, and living conditions reflects a resolute people-centered governance approach: every measure targets pressing public needs, ensuring cities serve as genuine homes that benefit the people.

https://news.cgtn.com/news/2026-02-11/President-Xi-s-Spring-Festival-tour-highlights-China-s-care-for-people-1KG00x467de/p.html

Contact: [email protected]

GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 9652987