TOKYO — Dentsu PR has named Kazunori Azeyanagi (pictured) as its new president, replacing Takehiko Chikami who moves to a part-time role in March.

Chikami's retirement comes five years after he took on the top job at Dentsu PR. He will continue to play an advisory role at the firm, and will retain his role as president of the Public Relations Society of Japan.

Azeyanagi is currently MD of the business creation center at parent company Dentsu Inc. has been named president of the company by the board of directors. Since joining the Japanese advertising giant in 1981, he has overseen several account services divisions, the social solution division and the business creation center.

Azeyanagi's appointment will be formally approved at the shareholders meeting and the subsequent board of directors meeting on March 16.