Clay Schouest Returns to Dentsu and Asia as CSO, Client & Solutions

Dentsu has announced the appointment of Clay Schouest as chief strategy officer (CSO), client & solutions, APAC. In this newly created role, Clay will lead on the strategy and vision for dentsu’s client portfolio, building integrated, end-to-end solutions that deliver client revenue growth, profitability and satisfaction.

“Clay is a truly global citizen having lived and worked across major markets in all three regions giving him a unique ability to build hyper-relevant strategies that deliver long- term growth and loyalty for brands," said Yusuke Kasahara, CEO, client & solutions APAC.

“He will work closely with our chief client officer and CEO, Media, APAC, Prerna Mehrotra, to build a culture of client-centricity and excellence in our business, drawing on his 25 years of experience to help our clients navigate the complexity of the marketplace with laser-sharp focus on delivering solutions to help them achieve their growth ambitions. I am delighted to welcome Clay back to dentsu and back to Asia.”

Clay has devoted his career to building strategies that merge media and creativity, working with prolific brands including Coca-Cola, Unilever, P&G, Diageo, and L’Oreal. With a passion for creative thinking and innovation, Clay has worked in key markets across the world including New York, London, Amsterdam and Shanghai and will draw from this unique experience. A dentsu veteran, he spent 11 years in strategy roles in Shanghai, Singapore and London before moving to Reckitt in 2021 as the global strategy director, communications.

“Some of my most memorable and career defining years were at dentsu and I am delighted to be returning back to the business and a region I have missed and call home," Clay said.

"There is no question that Asia is the most exciting region in the world with its exponential growth in wealth and population creating significant opportunity for brands. But to thrive in this environment, brands have to truly understand the vast profiles of the Asian consumer and how best to engage with them given the strength of local brands and proliferation of channels these consumers chose to engage with. I’m looking forward to re-engaging with dentsu’s clients in Asia and partnering with them to deliver on their long-term priorities and identify new paths to growth.”

Clay joined on 20 September and will be based in Singapore.