Publicis Japan bolsters creative leadership with talent from Google and Hakuhodo

Publicis Groupe Japan has appointed two prominent creative leaders, Ryutaro Seki as executive creative director and Naho Manabe as group creative director. Both will report to Erick Rosa, chief creative officer of Publicis Groupe Japan, as the company continues to invest in its creative and technological capabilities to better serve clients in the region.

Seki brings more than 20 years of experience across Tokyo, New York and Bangkok. He most recently worked as creative director at Google, where he focused on developing technology platforms for digital business innovation and led advanced communication strategies using cutting-edge tech. Before that, he spent 16 years at Dentsu, including a stint as executive creative director at Dentsu Thailand. 

Meanwhile Manabe joins Publicis after a two decade long career at ad giant Hakuhodo, where she rose to the position of global creative director. Throughout her career, she’s worked with major international brands, combining global insights with local relevance. Her work has earned her accolades from Cannes Lions, One Show, and the London International Awards. Beyond advertising, Manabe has  authored books, advised startups, and developed training programs, bringing a diverse skill set to her new role.

Erick Rosa, chief creative officer of Publicis Groupe Japan, welcomed the appointments, stating, “We are delighted to have Ryutaro Seki and Naho Manabe join our team. Their experience and innovative approach will be invaluable as we continue to enhance our creative capabilities. These appointments reflect our commitment to delivering exceptional value to our clients, and we’re excited to see their impact on our work and the industry.”

Gareth Mulryan, CEO of Publicis Groupe Japan, emphasised how Seki’s and Manabe’s expertise will further strengthen the agency’s offerings. “With Ryutaro’s technical expertise and strategic vision, we can deliver solutions that transform human behaviour and drive business results. Meanwhile, Naho’s global perspective, combined with her deep understanding of the Japanese market, will help our clients stay relevant and thrive in today’s dynamic landscape,” he said.

Seki expressed enthusiasm for his new role: "I’m excited to fully leverage my experience as a creative professional with deep insight into today’s fast-evolving digital landscape—both to drive impact for our clients and to help nurture the next generation of creative talent.”

Manabe echoed the sentiment, saying, “Publicis Groupe Japan is the ideal environment for me to build on my experience, working alongside some of the best creative minds in the world. I’m truly energised to contribute to our clients’ business success.”