Our people

Sam Sterling appointed to Chief Strategy Officer, Asia-Pacific

Right to left: Alisia Muscat, Sam Sterling, Brian Vella.

AKQA has announced the appointment of Sam Sterling as Chief Strategy Officer across Asia-Pacific.

In her new role, Sam is responsible for leading the strategic vision in collaboration with clients.

Previously Sam lead the AKQA Shanghai and Tokyo studios for three years. The region will now benefit from Sterling’s international experience in business.

Sam recently completed her post-graduate studies in Innovation with Harvard University. Today, Sterling is a doctoral candidate in a joint business administration program between China’s Fudan and England’s Durham Universities, where she is exploring the role of innovation in the ongoing performance of businesses.

Sam said: “The world is in an extraordinary place right now and the challenges of this time bring equally remarkable opportunities. I’m delighted to work with our team and clients to realise the full potential of these opportunities. Living in China, I feel I’m immersed in the most innovative market in the world, and there couldn’t be a more exciting time to both contribute to the growth in China, but translate learnings into impactful outcomes in the West.”

Brian Vella, Managing Partner, AKQA Asia-Pacific, said: “In the three years we have partnered Sam has demonstrated exceptional acumen for strategic thought and practice. Her consistent results demonstrate her excellent contribution and influence for our teams and clients. As a result, we are excited to increase her responsibility for clients and further evolve our relationships”.

Since joining AKQA in February 2018, the studios under Sterling’s leadership have won a range of clients including Maserati and Hyperice, as well as signing a landmark partnership with Japanese conglomerate, Itochu.

Across Asia-Pacific, Sterling will now work more closely with the breadth and depth of talent in Auckland, Melbourne, Sydney, Tokyo and Wellington, alongside Alisia Muscat, Managing Director (pictured right) and Brain Vella, Managing Parter (pictured left).