Our people

The future, faster.

As part of our commitment to people and culture and as an employer of choice, AKQA desires to be a leading creative and professional services firm for the attraction, promotion and retention of all.

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AKQA Americas

Strengthened leadership

AKQA has announced the promotion of Kristin Goto to VP, Managing Director, Sarah Cunningham and Carla Cartwright to Managing Director, and David Buckley to Chief Strategy Officer.

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Hugo Veiga

Cannes Lions jury

CCO AKQA Hugo Veiga has been invited to participate in the Dan Wieden Titanium jury. The category celebrates game-changing creativity that breaks new ground in branded communication.

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Tim Devine

From courtside to living room

ABC News spoke with ECD AKQA AUNZ Tim Devine to share the development of Action Audio. The project will trial its service for one of the world’s major basketball leagues.

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AKQA Casa

Cultivating excellence

SCOPEN has featured AKQA Casa as one of the most desirable agencies to work for in Brazil, spotlighting AKQA as a place where respect, innovation and professional growth thrive.

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Iona Macgregor

Efficiency and effectiveness

Chief Strategy Officer AKQA Australia Iona Macgregor shared how to lead digital experiences. Iona said: “Including a cohesive framework ensures accountability across the whole business.”

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Diego Machado

AdSync Summit

CCO AKQA Diego Machado discussed the integration of music into creative processes. Diego said: “Our approach at AKQA is to co-create work with the potential for cultural resonance.”

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Shu Hung

The Quiet Leader

CCO AKQA Shu Hung talks with Fearless Creative Leadership podcast about the power of silence. Shu asked: “How do we share our point of view in a way that isn’t in a megaphone style.”

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Emma Riley and Sarah Cunningham

Accelerate action

AKQA Americas’ Growth Director Emma Riley and Director of Client Services Sarah Cunningham joined Nasdaq at the opening bell to celebrate International Women’s Day.

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Aurelia Albrecht

Women’s Pavilion at Expo 2025

Campaign Asia spotlighted Associate Design Director AKQA Tokyo Aurelia Albrecht’s perspective on Cartier’s campaign for International Womens Day.

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Nicolas Le Pallec

BBC: AI Decoded

Executive Technology Director AKQA Paris Nicolas Le Pallec explores how luxury fashion houses are leveraging the creative force of artificial intelligence.

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Hannah Shevell

Future is Female

MD AKQA Amsterdam Hannah Shevell has been shortlisted in Advertising Week’s Future is Female Awards, recognised for her effect on organisational change and professional endorsements.

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Grace O’Brien

The Golden Drum Festival

Creative Director AKQA Amsterdam Grace O’Brien has been invited to participate in the Craft Drum jury. The award show has served as a vital platform for groundbreaking campaigns.

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AKQA

D&AD Awards jury

Members across AKQA have been invited to participate in this year’s jury to recognise the best creativity across commercial design, advertising and production disciplines.

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Brian Vella

The Fast 10

CEO AKQA APAC Brian Vella shared his career experience. Brian said: “We value strategy, creative and technology equally. When this occurs and the teams collaborate, the sparks start to fly.”

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Ben Ogilvie

Why mobile accessibility matters

Head of Accessibility ArcTouch Ben Ogilvie presented a preview of the upcoming State of Mobile App Accessibility report at axe-con, the world’s largest digital accessibility conference.

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AKQA

Creativepool Awards jury

Senior leaders from AKQA have been invited to judge the 2025 Annual Awards. Celebrating individuals that have broken from tradition to redefine the impossible.

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Sydney Iona

Rights. Equality. Empowerment

CSO AKQA Sydney Iona Macgregor spoke with Branding in Asia to share her advocacy for equality. Iona said: “We all have a job to do in thinking critically and creatively to notice bias.”

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Brian Vella

Embrace your instinct

CEO AKQA APAC Brian Vella joins host Cynthia Nelson on the Let’s Talk About... podcast. Brian said: “AKQA exists to solve hard problems for our clients.”

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AKQA APAC

Partner of the Year

AKQA is recognised for demonstrating an unparalleled commitment to training and certification, outstanding customer satisfaction and go-live success.

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Paula Santana and Christiano Vellutini

The future of music

AKQA Casa’s Executive Production Director Paula Santana and Executive Creative Director Christiano Vellutini presented at SIM São Paulo panel.

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Universal Design Studio

Why We Host

Universal Design Studio explores how the subtle ways of thoughtfully crafted spaces can shape behaviour, fosters connection and brings people together.

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AKQA Casa

A decade of igniting imagination

AKQA Casa celebrates 10 years of uniting art, science and diverse talents. Collaborating with global brands to craft impactful work and push creative boundaries.

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Shu Hung

Conquering Creativity

Campaign US has revealed the list of winners for the 2025 Inspiring Women awards, featuring CCO AKQA Shu Hung amongst other female trailblazers.

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Tim Devine and Justine Leong

Through thick and thin

LBB spoke with ECD AKQA AUNZ Tim Devine and GM AKQA Sydney Justine Leong on their journey with AKQA. Tim said: “What really makes AKQA special is the people.”

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Hope Nardini and Emma Riley

The One Show

Global Executive Creative Director Grey Hope Nardini and Growth Director AKQA Americas Emma Riley have been invited to participate in The One Show jury.

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AKQA

Beneath the interface

AKQA’s Code of Conscience features at the Laboral Centro de Arte y Creación Industrial. The exhibition explores the impact of advanced technology on society.

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Shu Hung

First Delivery

CCO AKQA Shu Hung featured in Adweek and The Drum to highlight Budweiser’s Super Bowl ad and its “beautiful simplicity and pure emotion.”

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AKQA Americas

Next era of innovation

AKQA Americas has unveiled its newly restructured leadership team. Aligning top-tier talent to deliver creativity, data-driven insights, and exceptional client impact

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Umberto Basso

Creativity and AI

MD AKQA Italy Umberto Basso spoke at H-Farm’s AI conference. Umberto discussed how organisations can scale AI effectively and create hyper-personalised experiences.

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Gemma Redgrave and Haley Hammerling

Global marketing leadership

AKQA has appointed Gemma Redgrave to Head of Marketing and Haley Hammerling as Head of Communications. Together, they will enhance brand visibility and foster creative excellence.

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Lisl du Toit

Designed to Last

OnOffice magazine’s latest issue features Associate Design Director Universal Design Studio Lisl du Toit. Lisl said: “Sustainable design is an act of creativity.”

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New global structure

A unified vision

AKQA announces a new global structure, combining creative, strategy and technology under a single integrated framework, with AI seamlessly embedded in its offering.

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Shu Hung

The ANDY’s

CCO AKQA Shu Hung has been invited to join the prestigious global jury. The annual event honours the craft and innovation behind the industry’s best work.

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Paul Ostryzniuk

Best ads of 2024

Executive Creative Director AKQA London Paul Ostryzniuk speaks with The Drum about WWF’s In Hot Water. Paul said: “It is a razor-sharp expression of a sobering message.”

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AKQA

The Future of Work

AKQA’s projects are featured in the exhibition at Vögele Kultur Zentrum. The experience invites visitors to reflect on the different aspects of the world of work and personal perspectives.

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Tara McKenty

Commitment to innovation

Tara McKenty joins AKQA Australia as Executive Creative Director. Tara said: “I’m looking forward to working with a strong team of leaders and partnering with our clients.”

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Jason Holley

Inside Out

Principal Universal Design Studio Jason Holley and Co-Founder GoodHood Kyle Stewart explore the distinction between dissenting and disruptor brands.

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Madhur Batra and Daniela Lopez

Championing inclusion

INvolve’s Enable Role Model List included Senior Quality Assurance Manager AKQA Gurgaon Madhur Batra and Senior Experience Strategist AKQA Wellington Daniela Lopez.

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Tesa Aragones

Be your own inspiration

President AKQA North America Tesa Aragones spoke with Campaign Chemistry podcast. Tesa said: “Let personal growth define your success and at the core of that, trust yourself.”

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AKQA

Clio Awards jury

Senior leaders across AKQA have been invited to join the prestigious jury. The annual event celebrates bold work that propels the industry forward and foster meaningful connections.

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Paul Ostryzniuk

Devotion to quality

AKQA has promoted Paul Ostryzniuk to Executive Creative Director for the London studio. Paul said: “Receiving an invitation to inspire our team and our clients is a true honour.”

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AKQA Australia

Commitment to equality

AKQA’s Australian studios have exceeded national benchmarks across multiple key diversity and inclusion measures in Diversity Council Australia’s annual Inclusive Employer Index.

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Rachel Jarvis

From philosophy to copywriting

Senior Writer AKQA London Rachel Jarvis featured on Creative Lives in Progress. Rachel said: “Experience as much as you can, you never know what might spark your next great idea.”

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Ajaz Ahmed

A repertoire of thoughts

Founder AKQA Ajaz Ahmed shares a curated compilation of published essays that he has written for prestigious media including Fast Company, The Guardian and The Sunday Times.

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Hannah Shevell

Future focused leadership

AKQA has announced the promotion of Hannah Shevell to Managing Director in Amsterdam. Hannah said: “I am focused on how to cultivate a culture that yields the highest quality.”

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Tesa Aragones

Championing success

President AKQA North America Tesa Aragones was invited to celebrate the Forbes CMO Summit Europe at the London Stock Exchange, uniting leading marketers to drive growth.

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Gemma Redgrave

Notes on Brevity

The Lovie Awards spoke with Marketing Director AKQA Gemma Redgrave to gain insights on how creatives can wield succinct feedback to create designs as iconic as the London Underground.

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Paul Ostryzniuk

Everyone is a designer

ECD AKQA London Paul Ostryzniuk featured on The Drum exploring the power of design. Paul said: “Design is a language all can read, yet only a few believe it’s a language they can write.”

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Jabari Hearn

Empower through clarity

Managing Partner AKQA LA Jabari Hearn featured on The Courageous Leaders Podcast to share how to distinguish between your ego and instinct and why it is important for growth.

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Ajaz Ahmed

Flexibility is key

Founder AKQA Ajaz Ahmed features in Forbes to share the entrepreneurial benefits of side hustles. Ajaz said: “Taking part in side projects reduces the risk of burnout.”

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Robin Greene

Essentials for starting out

Associate User Experience Director AKQA London Robin Greene wrote a resource article for Creative Lives in Progress to introduce developing UX talent.

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Fouad Hammoud

Journey to glory

Associate Creative Director AKQA London Fouad Hammoud featured on LBB to discuss Break Free. Fouad shared how the 2024 Olympic stadium was brought to life in the fast-paced film.

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Ajaz Ahmed

Pioneering innovation

Founder AKQA Ajaz Ahmed spoke with Lord Ed Vaizey on Times Radio. He shared his first entrepreneurial ventures to his latest philanthropic initiatives.

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Brian Vella

A changing digital landscape

Managing Partner AKQA APAC Brian Vella wrote an article for Mi3 on social media’s resistance to change is cause for more than societal concern.

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Suzanne Croxford

Seamless shopping experiences

Executive Partner, Retail and Commerce AKQA Australia Suzanne Croxford was spotlighted on Financial Review to embrace the power of unified commerce for better business.

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Ajaz Ahmed

Value, innovation and simplicity

Founder AKQA Ajaz Ahmed spoke at the Founders Series for Microsoft sharing how AKQA redefines the boundaries of creativity and technology.

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Jean Zamprogno

Clio Sports Awards

Executive Creative Director AKQA Americas Jean Zamprogno has been appointed a juror for the Clio Sports Awards Experience and Activation, Innovation and Creative Effectiveness jury.

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Shu Hung

Recognise, honour and celebrate

AKQA has promoted Shu Hung to Chief Creative Officer, joining Peter Lund, Diego Machado, and Hugo Viega. The team shares a wealth of experience.

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Jabari Hearn

True change-makers

Managing Partner AKQA Los Angeles Jabari Hearn was featured in ADCOLOR’s LEADERS. The programme is dedicated to celebrating and promoting diversity.

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Ed Davis

Fostering ambition

Director of Client Services AKQA Washington DC Ed Davis has been appointed as a juror for the 2024 Clio Entertainment Awards, celebrating creative excellence across the industry.

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Sam Rowlands and Connor Cunniffe

Portraits of a Visionary

Senior Art Director AKQA Amsterdam Sam Rowlands and Senior Copywriter AKQA Amsterdam Connor Cunniffe share their process for creating a revolutionary gender equity tool.

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Nobuhiro Arai

Celebrating the craft

ECD AKQA Tokyo Nobuhiro Arai has been invited to join the Concept, Copywriting and Charity jury for the APAC Shots Awards, honouring digital innovation and creative storytelling.

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Diego Machado

Keep it simple

CCO AKQA Diego Machado features in AdAge to share his learnings and insights as president for the Cannes Lions 2024 Innovation Lions jury.

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Gemma Redgrave

The Role of Social Good

Marketing Director AKQA Gemma Redgrave features on LBB sharing insights on this year’s Future Lions. She highlights their “commitment to creativity driven by authentic social action.”

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Sam Rowlands and Grace O'Brien

Women break barriers

Senior Art Director AKQA Amsterdam Sam Rowlands and Creative Director AKQA Amsterdam Grace O’Brien spoke with The Purse Podcast about Pink Chip.

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Andrew Missingham

Welcome Andrew Missingham

AKQA North America appoints Andrew Missingham as Executive Director of Consumer Insights. Andrew will shape AKQA’s strategies to align with evolving cultural trends.

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Ajaz Ahmed

Founder Favourites

Founder AKQA Ajaz Ahmed spoke with City A.M. Ajaz discussed emerging technologies and how being sceptical towards AI can “lead to the biggest breakthroughs.”

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Nobuhiro Arai

Redefining the future

AKQA welcomes award-winning Nobuhiro Arai as Executive Creative Director for Tokyo. Nobuhiro will lead the studio’s creative endeavours, focusing on driving innovation for clients in Japan.

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Hugo Veiga and Diego Machado

Remarkable journey

AKQA’s CCO’s Hugo Veiga and Diego Machado share insight on the power of authenticity and purpose in attracting exceptional clients and talent on the CPO Playbook podcast.

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Suzanne Croxford

Gaining consumer share

Executive Partner, Retail and Commerce AKQA Australia Suzanne Croxford featured on Financial Review. Suzanne said: “First-party data is the key to unlocking personalised experiences.”

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Kai Heuser

Welcome Kai

AKQA introduces Kai Heuser as Executive Creative Director to the Berlin studio. Kai brings his creative expertise to lead brand experiences for clients in Germany and beyond.

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Diego Machado

Best of the future

CCO AKQA Diego Machado spoke with LBB as the Jury President of the Cannes Lions Innovation category. “If creativity is thinking about the new, innovation is actually doing the new.”

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Tesa Aragones

Overcoming barriers

President AKQA North America Tesa Aragones spoke with the Let’s Talk About... podcast. Tesa shares her dedication to curiosity, innovation and consumer centricity.

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Ajaz Ahmed

Changing Course

Founder AKQA Ajaz Ahmed features on BBC Radio 5 Wake Up to Money. Ajaz discusses apprenticeships, entrepreneurs, Future Lions and AI.

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Luciana Cani, Thiago Cruz, Diego Medvedocky and Marty Martinez

Cannes Lions jury

Creatives across the AKQA family have been invited to participate in the Cannes Lions awarding jury. Celebrating creative excellence in the industry.

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Luciana Cani

Maximising potential

ECD AKQA Portland Luciana Cani spoke with imagens de marca about how good leaders should not “allow their expectations to be guided exclusively by role definition.”

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Miriam Plon Sauer

The art of asking questions

Executive Director Strategy AKQA EMEA Miriam Plon Sauer compares being a creative strategist with chief of police, demonstrating that the right questions can lead to discovery.

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Tesa Aragones

Confidence, strength and hope

President AKQA North America Tesa Aragones featured on Campaign US. She highlights P&G’s The Name and its powerful narrative to inspire “collective action toward greater inclusivity.”

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Ajaz Ahmed

Building a unicorn

Founder AKQA Ajaz Ahmed is interviewed by Boardwave. He highlights AKQA’s success down to the “phenomenal people and commitment they have to our values.”

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Diego Machado

Cannes Award jury

CCO AKQA Diego Machado has been appointed the role of prestigious Cannes Lions Jury President for Innovation Lions, celebrating the most groundbreaking technologies.

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Talya Pulver-Lindqvist and Maria Parsons

WARC Awards jury

Group Brand Director AKQA Sweden Talya Pulver-Lindqvist has been invited to join the jury to award strategic effectiveness and brilliance.

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Miriam Plon Sauer

Gerety Awards jury

Executive Strategy Director AKQA Miriam Plon Sauer join the grand jury to evaluate world-class work and award the most outstanding creative.

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Jabari Hearn

Intention and authenticity

Managing Partner AKQA Los Angeles Jabari Hearn features on the Purpose Podcast, speaking about his experiences during his early career and the importance of mentorship.

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Haley Hammerling

Transforming with AI

Senior PR Director AKQA Haley Hammerling spoke with Adweek about PR predictions. She said: “AI continues to enhance our strategies without overshadowing human ingenuity.”

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Ajaz Ahmed

Passion for innovation

Founder AKQA Ajaz Ahmed features on Campaign Chemistry. He highlights the Apple Vision Pro, Future Lions 2024 and shares his immense pride for Grey.

A woman with wavy, shoulder-length hair smiles at the camera. She is wearing a dark blazer over a patterned blouse. The background is a light, plain gradient.
Cherish Bailey

Kindness and authenticity

Director of Growth AKQA Atlanta studio Cherish Bailey spoke with Muse by Clio about her experiences of leading and managing brand initiatives and her creative inspirations.

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Tesa Aragones

Growth and leadership

President AKQA North America Tesa Aragones speaks with Renegades, a series spotlighting Asian Pacific leaders about Cannes Lions, AI and the future of marketing.

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Brian Vella

Getting out of your comfort zone

Managing Partner AKQA Brian Vella joins the Words From Gippsland podcast to share inspiring serendipitous moments that marked his journey to AKQA.

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AKQA Roots

Portraits of Black Excellence

Discover I AM, a portrait series that spotlights the diverse and multi-dimensional people within our community. Conceived by AKQA Roots in celebration of Black History Month.

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Ajaz Ahmed

Forefront of the revolution

FoST Explorers Club invited Founder AKQA Ajaz Ahmed to discuss the success of AI and recent technological advancements such as the Apple Vision Pro.

A man with a beard, wearing headphones and holding a microphone, speaks in front of a screen during a presentation. Another person in the foreground listens. The room is lit with purple lighting.
Tim Devine

Who gets to decide?

Executive Innovation Director AKQA AUNZ Tim Devine shared his perspectives at SXSW Sydney: “Certain things about AI make it more accessible than any other sort of technology.”

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Tesa Aragones

Positivity and passion

President AKQA North America Tesa Aragones’s spoke at the ADCOLOR Awards to share her experience charting fresh territory in a demanding industry and divided world.

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Ajaz Ahmed

Discipline and organisation

Founder AKQA Ajaz Ahmed spoke with Management Today highlighting how “the best organisations counterbalance creativity and experimentation with operational excellence.”

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Tesa Aragones

Solving problems

AKQA President, North America Tesa Aragones spoke at the Forbes CMO Summit this week. The creative community’s global leaders shared what industry experience has taught them.

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Ajaz Ahmed

Flourish and bloom

Founder AKQA Ajaz Ahmed joins the LBC Money podcast, sharing that “we work very hard on nurturing a culture that can thrive and continue to be entrepreneurial.”

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Laura Minton

Be brave

Senior Producer AKQA Laura Minton joins LBB for a vibrant conversation about her journey into production, pioneering new creative technologies, and her most inspiring moments on set.

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Diego Machado

The unexpected turn

CCO AKQA Diego Machado joins El Martínez podcast to talk about how AKQA’s diversity led to the global creative work for Netflix and why he wakes up happy on a rainy Monday morning.

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Ajaz Ahmed

Fast forward to 2033

Founder AKQA Ajaz Ahmed spoke at the Boardwave Live conference at BAFTA’s HQ. Ajaz spoke about AKQA’s growth and his entrepreneurial journey.

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Ros Horner

Culture of innovation

Executive Design Director AKQA Australia Ros Horner speaks with Campaign Asia about the potential for AI: “We should invest in creative humans alongside creative technology.”

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Kristin Goto and Jon Freshwater

AKQA San Francisco promotions

Kristin Goto appointed Managing Director and Jon Freshwater promoted to Director of Client Services. “I feel honoured to continue with our clients to solve tomorrow’s challenges.”

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Ajaz Ahmed

Square Mile and Me

Founder AKQA Ajaz Ahmed travels down memory lane with City A.M and discusses the dynamic epicentre of London, the incredible melting pot of culture and modernity.

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Umberto Basso

W3A Forum

Managing Director AKQA Italy Umberto Basso spoke at the Web3 Alliance Forum in Milan, discussing AI, the metaverse and blockchain.

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Tesa Aragones

Live at Cannes

AKQA President, North America Tesa Aragones joined Adweek Podcast to reflect on Cannes 2023 and how marketers can action conversations surrounding AI, inclusion and sustainability.

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Zampa and Zaro

Infusing values

AKQA Americas Creative Directors Jean Zamprogno and Fernando Pellizzaro spoke with DesignRush about utilising creativity to shape a better future.

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AKQA and Grey

Cannes Lions

Six employees across AKQA and Grey have been invited to participate in the prestigious jury, selected to shortlist world-class creative work alongside other global experts.

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Michelle Lassman

The Gails Awards

Head of Creative AKQA San Francisco Michelle Lassman joins the jury. The awards recognise innovation in the industry, donating 100% of its proceeds to support women’s rights.

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Tim Devine

Cannes in Cairns Chronicle

Executive Innovation Director AKQA Melbourne Tim Devine spoke at Cannes in Cairns, presenting a perspective on the complexities of AI and diverse representation.

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Ajaz Ahmed

Entrepreneurial spirit

Founder AKQA Ajaz Ahmed is named in The Business Report’s Top 50 Business Leaders of San Francisco. For his achievements in leading AKQA and his philanthropic work.

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Tesa Aragones

The spirit of heritage

AKQA President, North America Tesa Aragones spoke to New York Stock Exchange TV about the global impact of inspiring future leaders.

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Shu Hung

Two minutes with Shu Hung

ECD AKQA Los Angeles Shu Hung spoke with Muse by Clio on creative inspirations: “I was obsessed with Roald Dahl. I couldn’t believe someone could have so many incredible story ideas.”

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Ajaz Ahmed and Tesa Aragones

AI’s creative revolution

Founder AKQA Ajaz Ahmed and President, North America AKQA Tesa Aragones spoke with Fast Company about how AI could unlock a new wave of imaginative expression.

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Shu Hung and Graham Drew

Endless possibilities

Executive Creative Director AKQA Los Angeles Shu Hung join the jury at The Drum Chip Shop Awards, selected to judge creativity without limits.

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Ajaz Ahmed

The Decent Leader

Founder AKQA Ajaz Ahmed speaks with Fearless Creative Leadership podcast about tenets of decency: “the most successful people are often the ones who help others succeed.”

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Tesa Aragones

Gold House A100

President, North America AKQA Tesa Aragones has been named as an A100 honouree, celebrated as one of the most impactful Asian Pacific leaders.

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Umberto Basso and Nicolas Le Pallec

Future proof e-commerce

Managing Director AKQA Italy Umberto Basso and Executive Technology Director Europe AKQA Nicolas Le Pallec presented leveraging AI and 3D at a MACH Alliance event.

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Ajaz Ahmed

Luxury’s new brand identifiers

Founder AKQA Ajaz Ahmed talks with Vogue Business about the visual signatures of fashion houses to cultivate universal recognition and customer loyalty.

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Ajaz Ahmed

Courage to care

Founder AKQA Ajaz Ahmed speaks to the University of Bath School of Management: “AKQA is a vehicle for channelling entrepreneurial and creative energy.”

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Tesa Aragones

AI influencing skills

President, North America AKQA Tesa Aragones commented on increasing teams using AI tools, Tesa said: “Using the technology and the data actually helps us to be more creative.”

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Gemma Redgrave

Sustainability at Cannes Lions

Marketing Director AKQA Gemma Redgrave spoke with Adweek about Cannes Lions taking sustainability and DEI data into account for award submissions in 2023.

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Ajaz Ahmed

A ripple effect

Founder AKQA Ajaz Ahmed speaks to Thought Economics about the power of creative industries for good and learnings from working with some of the world’s greatest brands.

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Shu Hung

Inner library child

ECD AKQA Los Angeles Shu Hung speaks with LBB about her creative process. Shu said: “Creativity is part of our experience and manifests in different ways. It’s innate.”

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Francisca Maass, Peter Lund and Hugo Veiga

Clio jury

President and Chief Creative Officer Grey Francisca Maass is joining the Audio jury. AKQA Global Chief Creative Officers Peter Lund and Hugo Veiga join the Design and Digital juries.

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Taraka TK Tennakoon

Creative communication

Associate Creative Director AKQA Dubai Taraka TK Tennakoon discussed the debate surrounding AI art with Venture Beat. Sharing insights on how this may impact the creative industry.

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Ajaz Ahmed

Solving problems

Founder AKQA Ajaz Ahmed speaks to Mumbrella about the excitement and optimism of AI, Ajaz commented: “We see these tools as a co-pilot for creativity.”

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Tesa Aragones

Doing different

President, North America AKQA Tesa Aragones spoke at the Forbes CMO Summit about growth, and whether marketing is compatible with ensuring a healthier planet and future.

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Shu Hung

New ECD of AKQA Los Angeles

AKQA has appointed Shu Hung as Executive Creative Director in Los Angeles. “I’ve been a long-time admirer of AKQA and collaborated with them in the past on career-defining projects.”

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Tesa Aragones

Finding your ikigai for a purposeful life

President, North America AKQA Tesa Aragones speaks to Adweek about the Japanese concept, ikigai, sharing four aspects for finding purpose and being motivated.

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Paul Ostryzniuk

The great overlap

Group Creative Director AKQA London Paul Ostryzniuk explores how the metaverse provides a new landscape of undiscovered rewards and risks.

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Edward Barber and Jay Osgerby

Our job is to give a dopamine hit

The duo behind Barber Osgerby speak to the Financial Times about why their prolific output is all a question of collaboration and how they work on the scarier side of challenging.

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Ajaz Ahmed

Driving Good

Founder AKQA Ajaz Ahmed spoke at Media Telecom & Beyond, discussing the role that agencies play in brand building in a digital world.

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Jabari Hearn

Jabari Hearn appointed Managing Partner

AKQA has further strengthened its leadership team by appointing former Nike and Google executive Jabari Hearn as North America Managing Partner.

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Tesa Aragones

AKQA appoints Tesa Aragones as President, North America

Tesa will oversee studios in the U.S. in this new role, defining strategy and expanding the client base, identifing opportunities and synergies to work closely with AKQA’s international team.

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When I’m With Her

Stories of dimension

For International Women’s Day 2021 When I’m With Her celebrates women’s stories across AKQA by depicting moments where they express their fullest selves.

Four elegantly dressed figures stand in a grand, ornate hall before a glowing circular portal that reveals a fantastical, vibrant cityscape beyond, blending elements of fantasy and historical styles.
Taraka Tennakoon

Always curious about craft

Associate Creative Director AKQA Dubai Taraka Tennakoon speaks to Muse By Clio about the ongoing debate around Artifical Intelligence art.

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Ajaz Ahmed

Leading by example

Founder AKQA Ajaz Ahmed joins the Raconteur panel discussion to share his views on the leadership behaviours that foster good relationships.

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Sarah Cunningham

AKQA North America leadership

AKQA has promoted Sarah Cunningham to Director of Client Services in AKQA’s New York studio. Sarah will help lead the studio, its partnerships and client collaborations.

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Hideaki Hara

Navigating inclusion

General Manager AKQA Tokyo Hideaki Hara speaks with Campaign Asia-Pacific about navigating through male allyship in Japan and creating equal workplaces for all genders.

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Paula Santana

Plant a seed

Impact Lead AKQA São Paulo Paula Santana speaks at Maxi Mídia. Paula discusses how the message of sustainability can count on creativity and innovation to reverberate.

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Ajaz Ahmed

Holly Branson interviews Founder Ajaz Ahmed

Founder AKQA Ajaz Ahmed joined the 100% Human At Work panel with Chief Purpose and Vision Officer Virgin Group Holly Branson, discussing five ways to build and prioritise a flourishing team.

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Ajaz Ahmed

Beyond the CV

Founder AKQA Ajaz Ahmed joined The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award for a live stream discussion, providing insight into what employers are looking for when recruiting.

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Francesco Bozza and Thaina Bergmann

Art Directors Club Italiano

CCO Grey Francesco Bozza and Senior Strategist AKQA Italy Thaina Bergmann have been selected to join the ADCI jury for Radio & Audio and Media.

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Miriam Plon Sauer

Reawakening creative agencies purpose

Executive Strategy Director AKQA Miriam Plon Sauer spoke to The Drum about genuine changemaking efforts.

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Ajaz Ahmed

Spear Impact Award

Ajaz Ahmed has been honoured with the Spear’s 2022 Impact Award recognising the impact of his charitable fellowship ajaz.org.

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Brian Vella and Tim Devine

Cannes in Cairns

Managing Partner AKQA APAC Brian Vella Brian and AKQA’s Executive Innovation Director Tim Devine hosted the Creativity in Commerce panel session at Cannes in Cairns.

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Sarah Cunningham

The importance of identity

Director of Client Services AKQA New York Sarah Cunningham speaks to Female Founders Breaking Boundaries podcast on the importance of women having their own lives outside of work.

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Tim Devine

Inclusive immersion

Executive Innovation Director AKQA Tim Devine speaks with Inavate revolutionary spatial audio in sport. “We want to give some agency back to people who are blind or have low vision.”

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Hugo Veiga

Making the world move forward

Global CCO AKQA Hugo Veiga as jury president of the Cannes Lions Mobile category speaks to Little Black Book about the democratic nature of mobile technology.

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Jay Osgerby

Loss, legacy and longevity

Universal Design Studio Co-Founder Jay Osgerby discusses his first steps into his career, the growth of Barber Osgerby and his family, with Clever podcast.

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Ros Horner

Design at heart

AKQA AUNZ is supporting young designers in a Cannes Lions competition. Executive Design Director AKQA Ros Horner features explores the new design category.

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Eric Orton

Unpredictable disruption

Executive Technology Director AKQA AUNZ Eric Orton spoke among Sitecore’s partners to share commerce predictions. Eric forecasts the blending of digital and physical experience.

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Miriam Plon Sauer

Strategic sparring partners

Executive Strategy Director AKQA EMEA Miriam Plon Sauer speaks to Danish Marketing Magazine on how to develop the best creative ideas.

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Hugo Veiga

Cannes Lions Jury President

AKQA’s Global Chief Creative Officer Hugo Veiga has been appointed Cannes Lions Jury President for the Mobile Lions category, celebrating device-driven creativity.

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Jefferson Liu and Axel Nygards

ADC Awards jury

The ADC 101st Annual awards celebrate the very best of creativity with a focus on artistry and craftsmanship. Jefferson Liu, Axel Nygards from AKQA join as jury members.

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Brian Vella

Predictions for the year ahead

The Australian Financial Review polled leaders about where the advertising and marketing landscape is heading. Managing Partner AKQA APAC Brian Vella shares his insights.

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Steffen Blauenfeldt Otkjaer

A one to one world

Managing Director AKQA Denmark Steffen Blauenfeldt Otkjaer explores the evolution of direct-to-consumer strategies in this AKQA Perspective piece.

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Diego Machado

D&AD jury

Chief Creative Officer AKQA Diego Machado joins the Experiential jury at the D&AD Awards for 2022. The awards set a benchmark for creative excellence in design and advertising.

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Miriam Plon Sauer

The future of brand building

Executive Strategy Director AKQA Copenhagen Miriam Plon Sauer discusses key strategies related to brand building, strategy, valuation and performance at this year's Web Summit.

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Arendse Rohland

Uprising

Copywriter AKQA Copenhagen Arense Rohland speaks to Little Black Book on why the best ideas are hiding in plain sight and the importance of the dinner table.

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Tim Devine

Sustainable marketing

Executive Innovation Director AKQA AUNZ Tim Devine joins IAB Australia to review consumer trends and marketing approaches for sustainable products and marketplaces.

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Hideaki Hara

AKQA Tokyo’s new General Manager

Hideaki Hara has been promoted to AKQA Tokyo’s new General Manager, leading the studio’s business in Japan. A Client Partner who has worked with Nike, Google, Itochu and more.

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Jon Ip

Jon Ip to lead Shanghai

Jon Ip has been appointed Managing Director for AKQA Shanghai. The move comes after three successful years of Sam Sterling’s leadership.

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Gemma Redgrave

Rising stars inspiring change

Marketing Director AKQA London Gemma Redgrave has been named in The Dots rising stars inspiring change list, spotlighted for transforming today’s industry.

A circular badge with a teal border reads: WPP #3 Globally for gender equality with the Equileap logo below. The edge text says, 2021 Global Report & Ranking. The background is dark blue.
Recognition

WPP named a gender equality

The Equileap Global Report assessed 3,702 publicly-listed companies across 19 gender equality criteria. Including the pay gap and policies relating to parental leave and sexual harassment

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AKQA Perspectives

Reasons to ignore the status quo this year

Grey Copenhagen, Potato San Francisco, AKQA Shanghai and Melbourne crowd-sourced a list of 21 emerging trends that have the potential to change our trajectory and excite us for 2021.

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Bianca Dordea

Joins AKQA in San Francisco as Client Partner

Bianca Dordea is a marketing communications leader with over 22 years experience. Her multicultural and cross-functional background, working on client and agency side gives her a unique perspective.

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Gemma Redgrave

The best workplace for the future

After honouring AKQA as Agency of the Year, Creativepool asked Talent Partnerships Manager Gemma Redgrave, about working at AKQA and what’s expected in 2021.

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Shaun Rowland

The great personalisation reset

Marketing Strategy Director Shaun Rowland, AKQA Melbourne spoke to Mi3 about why 2021 is the year for a fundamental rethink on personalisation.

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Diego Machado

Nurturing young creative talent

AKQA Global CCO Diego Machado spoke with The Drum about engaging junior talent during this disorienting and intensely frustrating time.

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Miriam Plon Sauer and Mads Fuhr

Danish Digital Awards

Strategy Director Miriam Plon Sauer and Client Service Director Mads Fuhr were part of the Danish Digital Award’s jury, which highlights the most inspiring and effective digital work.

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Brian Vella

Covid-19 and Retail

David Roth CEO The Store WPP EMEA and Asia recently interviewed Managing Partner Brian Vella on how retailers are increasing their digital footprint.

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Hugo Veiga

All will be cool

Chief Creative Officer Hugo Veiga, released ‘Vai Ficar Fixe’, from his alter ego – Gohu. MTV said: “The coolest song from quarantine.” All profits will be donated to fight Covid-19.

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Natalie Broome

WACL Future Leaders

Learning and Development Manager Natalie Broome, has been named as one of WACL’s Future Leaders 2020 award winners, Natalie will attend a Rising Women Leaders Programme.

A group of twenty women pose together and smile for a photo in front of a wall with a Women 4 Women poster. Some women are seated, others are standing, and the image is in black and white.
International Women’s Day 2020

Celebrating diversity and inclusion

For International Women’s Day studios across the AKQA family have celebrated diversity and inclusion with workshops, discussions, activities and content.

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International Women’s Day

When I’m With Her

Our New York team has created When I’m With Her — a film that explores many dimensions of the incredible women in AKQA’s studio.

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Ros Horner

The value of diversity in design

Design Director, Ros Horner tells BandT why an hour in a government immigration office changed her outlook on design, most importantly – the value of diversity in design.

Two men standing side by side in front of a dark background, both smiling with their arms crossed. One is wearing a blue plaid shirt, and the other is in a light-colored button-up shirt.
Hugo Veiga and Diego Machado

Freedom in creativity

Following their 2019 Cannes Lions success, the São Paulo duo spoke to Creativepool about their process: “We like to work with nimble teams empowered with autonomy to make decisions.”

Two people, one with long dark hair and one with short blond hair, stand in front of a wall covered in various photos and images, appearing to discuss or review them.
Axel Nygårds

The value of studio culture

Creative Axel Nygårds appeared in a BBC short film about studio culture. Drawing insight from a handful of London creative studios, including AKQA, examining building and maintaining a collaborative, creative working environment.

A group of eight AKQA employees stand in a row with their arms around each other.
International Women's Day

Today, Forever, Balance for Better

AKQA marked International Women’s Day with a host of initiatives and opportunities for employees and clients reflecting the theme of this year’s campaign, Balance for Better.