Dentsu Unleashes Global Innovation Powerhouse at Cannes Lions

By The Malketeer 

In a bold move to harness creativity and cutting-edge technology on a worldwide scale, Dentsu has announced the global rollout of its pioneering Dentsu Lab.

This expansion marks a significant step in the advertising giant’s vision to shape the future of the industry through groundbreaking experiences that captivate audiences, drive business growth, and positively impact society.

Building on Tokyo’s Success 

Building on the resounding success of Dentsu Lab Tokyo, established in 2014, the network will now establish innovation hubs in major cities worldwide, including London, Amsterdam, Warsaw, Mumbai, and Bengaluru.

These state-of-the-art Labs will serve as epicentres of creativity, where interdisciplinary teams of experts will push the boundaries of what’s possible by seamlessly blending art, science, and technology.

Visionary Leadership

Leading this global innovation charge are two visionary minds: Sven Huberts, elevated to President, Global Innovation & Experience and President, Dentsu Lab, and Naoki Tanaka, appointed as Chief Creative Officer, Dentsu Lab.

Together, they will spearhead a network of local Lab leaders and specialists dedicated to delivering cutting-edge services across various domains, from events and sports to gaming, AR/VR, data visualisation, AI, and rapid prototyping.

Unveiled at Cannes Lions

The launch of Dentsu Lab’s global expansion was unveiled at the prestigious Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity, where Dentsu President & Global CEO Hiroshi Igarashi and Global Chief Creative Officer Yasuharu Sasaki showcased the Lab’s groundbreaking work and shared the guiding principles that have fuelled its success over the past decade.

Driving Innovation and Impact

Sven Huberts, President Global Innovation & Experience and President, Dentsu Lab, expressed his excitement, stating, “We are at an inflexion point of human creativity and technical sophistication where the opportunity for genuine innovation has never been so compelling.”

“I couldn’t be more excited to be partnering with Naoki and our Lab leaders, to empower our growing global team of creators, partners and institutions with the most powerful technology and tools in the world to create experiences that truly touch hearts, impact business and, most importantly, move society forward.”

Revolutionising Creativity and Technology

Naoki Tanaka, Chief Creative Officer, Dentsu Lab, echoed this sentiment, emphasising the Lab’s mission to revolutionise the intersection of technology and creativity, “Since launching ten years ago, Dentsu Lab Tokyo has revolutionised the intersection of technology and creativity, solving societal challenges and creating visionary expressions that touch hearts and minds.”

“Our talented international team of dreamers and innovators, equipped with cutting-edge technology, are poised to take this impact worldwide, to accelerate our clients’ growth while making a profound impact on society.”

A 120-Year Legacy of Innovation

With its global expansion, Dentsu Lab aims to redefine the boundaries of advertising and brand experiences, harnessing the power of creativity and innovation to captivate audiences, drive business growth, and shape a better future for society.

As Jean Lin, Global President, Global Practices, Dentsu, aptly stated, “The launch of Dentsu Lab continues a proud 120-year tradition of innovation sitting at the core of Dentsu’s offering.”