AKQA expands creative leadership in APAC with new executive appointments

AKQA is pleased to announce the appointment of Sarah McGregor as Executive Creative Director, reinforcing the agency’s creative leadership in the region. In addition, David Clarke has been promoted to Executive Experience Design Director for APAC, elevating AKQA’s regional design capabilities.

With over two decades of experience in Melbourne and London, Sarah has consistently led award-winning campaigns for iconic brands. Her work has received global recognition, winning accolades at Cannes Lions, D&AD, The Clios and more. Beyond AKQA, Sarah is also a founding member of The Aunties, a mentoring and events initiative supporting women in the creative industries.

Sarah said: “AKQA has long been known for work that solves hard problems in inventive ways, courageously fusing creativity, technology and humanity to create powerful work. I’m excited to join such a forward-thinking team and collaborate with our clients to create experiences that are not only innovative but truly meaningful.”

David Clarke will lead AKQA’s Experience Design offering across Australia, New Zealand and Japan. Over the course of his career, David has worked at AKQA in London, New York and Australia. This latest move is set to strengthen the agency’s regional design leadership, ensure continuity and position AKQA to drive greater impact across the board.

David said: “I owe much to my time at AKQA over the span of 20 years. London taught me the craft, New York shaped me as a leader and now this role offers an incredible opportunity to amplify a region rich with creative potential. I’m energised by what’s ahead and honoured to be a part of such an ambitious network of talented people.”

Managing Director AKQA Australia Jeremy Smart said: “Sarah brings a wonderful combination of creative excellence, leadership and a deep understanding of purposeful storytelling. Her passion for innovation and inclusion reflects AKQA’s values and vision for the future. It is also great to see a strong leader like David, who has headed up our experience design team here in Australia, moving into a broader remit role, giving him the opportunity to bring his innovative and exceptional thinking to our wider APAC teams and clients.”