Dentsu Simplifies EMEA Business with Evolved Cluster Model

Dentsu announced a simplified model in EMEA that will see seasoned dentsu leaders, Annette Male, Sławomir Stępniewski, and Mariano Di Benedetto, take on an evolved cluster structure that brings greater alignment across the business, along with closer collaboration and partnership with newly appointed Global CEO, Takeshi Sano.

The changes will see the region organize itself around the following core clusters – Northern Europe, Central Europe, and Western & Southern Europe and MEA. The integration of the Central Europe cluster, under Stępniewski, took place in 2025 to help meet the needs of clients through a more unified team, empowering local innovation and growth. Annette Male will lead the Northern Europe cluster, expanding her remit beyond the UK&I to take on Nordics, Benelux and the Baltics. Male joined dentsu in 2024, and for the last 18 months has been CEO, UK&I. She brings nearly 30 years of experience in marketing and technology having worked with a renowned portfolio of brands including HSBC, Visa, Disney, Nestle and Unilever.

Mariano Di Benedetto will lead the Western & Southern Europe and MEA cluster, expanding his remit to take on Spain, Portugal. France and Sub-Saharan Africa, in addition to his current remit of Italy, Greece, Israel, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Morocco, Lebanon, Qatar and Türkiye. Di Benedetto has more than two decades of experience in the marketing and advertising industry, with 12 years of his career previously being part of dentsu. During his time at dentsu, he has held leadership roles such as CEO, iProspect Italy and Chief Digital Officer, Dentsu Aegis Network, and was responsible for the launch of iProspect into Italy as the first Italian digital performance agency.

As part of these changes, EMEA CEO, André Andrade will leave dentsu after more than 20 years, with the last three years leading the EMEA region.

President and Global CEO, Takeshi Sano said: “Since stepping into the Global CEO role, my focus has been on building a simpler, more agile and an even more client‑centric dentsu. Our evolved cluster model in EMEA reflects that commitment. It reduces complexity, brings leadership closer to clients, and improves our ability to collaborate, deploying talent and capabilities with speed. This is about creating the conditions for growth and innovation - empowering leaders, accelerating decision‑making, and ensuring we are organized around the needs of our clients and the customers they serve.

I would like to thank André for his leadership in the region and for his significant contribution to dentsu over many years. I also look forward to working more closely with Annette, Sławomir and Mariano, alongside the continued support of Giulio Malegori, Executive Senior Advisor, dentsu & Chairman, dentsu EMEA, as we shape dentsu’s pivotal new chapter together.”

These changes will be effective, 1 July 2026.