Published on: June 18, 2026
New Delhi, June 18 2026 – Hakuhodo India Group, a leading integrated marketing solutions company, with over 1700 talented individuals across 10 group companies, has announced the appointment of Jayanto Banerjee (Banjo) and Naoto Takahashi as Co-Managing Directors. They succeed Kosuke Kataoka, who after 16 years in India, returns to Hakuhodo Japan to take on new global responsibilities.
New dual-leadership structure
Jayanto Banerjee, brings over 30 years of experience in building brands across India and Middle East including a significant tenure at the heart of the Hakuhodo Network in India focused on strategy and human-centric design. He has played a pivotal role in shaping the agency’s growth, capabilities, and award-winning work across the Hakuhodo India network. His new role emphasizes Hakuhodo’s commitment to Sei-katsu-sha thinking based on strong local and human insights.
Naoto Takahashi brings sharp expertise in corporate strategy, cross-border business integration accumulated over several years in Japan. Throughout his career, Naoto has been recognised for fostering innovative approaches that help clients grow their brands and forge meaningful connections with the customers. His appointment reinforces Hakuhodo India’s ambition to deepen global-local synergies and better serve multinational clients with consistent, world-class solutions.
Together with their robust understanding of brands, deep expertise in strategy and tech, and a passion for creativity, they expect to further accelerate the agency’s momentum working at the intersection of its world-class talent and futuristic capabilities.
Kosuke Kataoka’s transition
Under Kosuke Kataoka’s leadership, Hakuhodo India has expanded its footprint, built a stronger integrated-services network, and enhanced its reputation for creative and data-driven marketing solutions.
Kosuke Kataoka, Managing Director, Hakuhodo India, said: “Over the past years, we have strengthened our portfolio, our teams, and our client relationships in India. With Jayanto and Naoto leading the business together, I am confident that Hakuhodo India will continue to grow, innovate, and deliver even greater value to our clients.”
Jayanto Banerjee, Co-Managing Director, Hakuhodo India, added: “India continues to be one of the most dynamic and fast-evolving markets in the world. Along with Naoto-san, our goal is to sharpen our integrated-services model, deepen our strategic and creative capabilities, and position Hakuhodo India as the preferred partner for growth-driven brands.”
Naoto Takahashi, Co-Managing Director, Hakuhodo India, said: “Blending Hakuhodo’s global insights with India’s local expertise, we will deliver smarter, more connected solutions for our clients. Above all, we are committed to driving client business success, while reinforcing our foundational principles: the ‘Sei-katsu-sha Centric Mindset’ and ‘Partner Approach.’ I’m excited to collaborate with Banjo-san (Jayanto), our exceptional teams, and partners to shape Hakuhodo India’s next growth chapter.”
Read more: Hakuhodo India Bolsters Leadership Team With Key Appointments
