• by Fern Siegel , April 9, 2025

Gen Kobayashi has been named Group Chief Strategy Officer for M+C Saatchi Group UK.

Kobayashi joins from Weber Shandwick, where he was Chief Strategy Officer UK & EMEA, leading strategic integration and earned-first planning across the agency’s global client base and drove organic growth for Mars and Unilever.

Over his 22-year career, Kobayashi has worked at agencies including Mindshare, Manning Gottlieb OMD, Goodstuff, DLKW Lowe, adam&eveDDB, The Brooklyn Brothers, Ogilvy, and Engine.

In his new post, will work closely with Jo Bacon, Group CEO, M+C Saatchi Group UK, and the wider integrated leadership team, to drive cultural-first planning.

Jo Bacon, Group CEO, M+C Saatchi Group UK, called Kobayashi "an exceptional strategist who truly understands the intersection of culture, creativity, and commerce.We’re excited to see how he shapes our approach and helps brands unlock the commercial potential of cultural thinking."