Global Chief Governance Officer Message

Building a corporate culture that values putting integrity first to realize effective corporate governance

Corporate governance that supports the enhancement of corporate value

Corporate governance is, at its core, a framework for maximizing both the quality and quantity of outputs by leveraging a company’s various forms of capital. Over more than 120 years, dentsu has continuously enhanced the quality of this framework across the entire Group, with integrity as our foremost value, promoting collaboration beyond national and organizational boundaries to drive improvements in corporate value. In recent years, we have strengthened the oversight functions of the Board of Directors and advanced the evolution of our corporate governance through measures such as transitioning to a board structure with three committees (nominating, audit, and compensation), establishing the Chief Governance Officer position, and establishing the Finance Committee.

The role of the Dentsu Group Code of Conduct

In order to continue contributing to the well-being of society, dentsu requires all employees to understand and uphold the Dentsu Group Code of Conduct. Positioned as the foundation for realizing our NORTHSTAR (corporate philosophy), the Code of Conduct serves as a set of guidelines for decision-making and behavior shared across the Group, and is based on values including integrity. It supports our daily decision-making and actions, serving as a standard for each employee to return to when they are unsure of what to do. It also clarifies our responsibilities to all stakeholders, including business partners, shareholders, and local communities.
※Dentsu Group Code of Conduct
※NORTHSTAR corporate philosophy

It is people who make systems and guidelines work—the importance of integrity

The values and guidelines set out in our Code of Conduct come to life when each and every employee embodies them. Corporate governance only has meaning when it is put into practice by people. I believe that integrity is the key.　As the business environment surrounding our Group continues to change and we take on new challenges for further growth, there are an increasing number of situations where it is difficult to judge right or wrong based on experience alone. In such situations, it is essential that individual employees always maintain a perspective of integrity, correct course when they sense something is not right, and are willing to frankly share their opinions with those around them. We believe that the daily accumulation of these efforts will encourage honest decisions and actions, increase trust and collaboration within the organization, and serve as a driving force behind improving the effectiveness of corporate governance.

Toward sustainable growth

Corporate culture and values can only be nurtured through systems, guidelines, and the actual practices of people who embody those values. Our Group is working to establish a culture that places integrity at the forefront of our values, while reviewing existing assumptions as necessary. We are committed to fulfilling our responsibilities to all stakeholders and to implementing effective corporate governance that supports sustainable growth and enhances corporate value over the medium to long term.