Dentsu Expands in India with New Sports and Entertainment Division Led by Yosuke Murai

Dentsu has announced the official launch of its Sports and Entertainment division in India, marking a strategic milestone for the global network. The move positions India as the first dedicated market under Dentsu’s newly expanded global framework, unveiled earlier this year at Cannes. Heading this new venture is Yosuke Murai, who steps in as Head of Dentsu Sports and Entertainment India.

A Global Vision Rooted in Local Culture

The Indian arm of Dentsu Sports and Entertainment aims to bridge culture, creativity, and commerce. The division will help brands build authentic connections with audiences across India through sports, anime, influencer marketing, and entertainment-led storytelling. Its mission is to tap into the country’s vibrant cultural energy and translate it into scalable business impact.

Under Murai’s leadership, the practice will focus on four primary verticals — sports and esports, anime, influencer marketing, and entertainment content. The goal is to engage younger and digitally native audiences such as Gen Z and Gen Alpha through experiences that blend emotion, innovation, and storytelling.

Yosuke Murai’s Leadership and Vision

Yosuke Murai brings nearly two decades of experience in media, advertising, and strategy, with a strong track record in sports and entertainment marketing. Before his new role in India, he held senior positions at Dentsu Inc., where he led global award-winning campaigns that bridged creativity with fan engagement.

Murai’s global perspective, combined with a deep understanding of cultural storytelling, makes him the perfect choice to lead this ambitious venture. Speaking about the launch, he said, “India is one of the world’s most exciting frontiers for sports, entertainment, and culture. With a young, connected audience and an expanding middle class, the opportunities for live experiences and fan engagement are enormous. Our goal is to combine Dentsu’s global expertise with India’s cultural depth to create experiences that inspire the world.”

A Growing Opportunity in Sports and Entertainment

The launch comes at a time when India’s entertainment economy is booming. With cricket, esports, and premium OTT content commanding a large share of audience attention, the country has become a key market for culture-driven engagement. Global trends like sports documentaries, anime adaptations, and influencer-driven campaigns have only accelerated this demand.

Dentsu’s new division is set to tap into these opportunities by offering end-to-end solutions that connect brands, fans, and creators. By blending global strategy with local insight, Dentsu aims to create cultural moments that spark emotion and deliver measurable impact.

Industry Reactions and Outlook

Commenting on the launch, Yoshinobu Ise, Global Head of Dentsu Sports and Entertainment, said, “The launch in India opens a new chapter for connecting people, ideas, and communities. We aim to build experiences that inspire fans, elevate creators, and empower brands to connect meaningfully with audiences. This initiative brings global expertise to one of the most dynamic cultural landscapes in the world.”

Harsha Razdan, CEO of Dentsu South Asia, added, “Culture is what connects India. From cricket and cinema to music and festivals, these are not just entertainment — they are experiences that define us. With Dentsu Sports and Entertainment, we’re helping brands find their place in these cultural moments where connection drives trust and growth.”

As Dentsu sets its sights on India’s rapidly expanding creative economy, the launch of its Sports and Entertainment division signals the beginning of a new era — one that celebrates culture as the foundation of modern marketing.

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