The future, faster.

AKQA has promoted David Justus to Executive Director of Technology for North America and Sarah Cunningham to Director of Client Services in AKQA’s New York studio.

AKQA welcomes Luciana Candi as Executive Creative Director in Portland. With over 20 years of experience in design, Luciana has been featured in Adweek’s 100 Creative lists, as one of the top 18 Executive Creative Directors.

The awards champion creativity and celebrate the best of British advertising, recognising groundbreaking work. President and CCO Grey London Laura Jordan-Bambach and Group Creative Director AKQA Jade Tomlin are joining the judging panel.

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

Managing Director AKQA Sydney Rakesh Rachamalla speaks to AdNews regarding the e-commerce revolution, the role of CX and what brand leaders need to consider.

AKQA’s Shanghai studio Creative Director MeeYee Foong and Technical Creative Director Buboy Paguio delivered a keynote at AdStars. They discussed leveraging new technologies and talent to create effective solutions for clients.

Copywriter Felipe Duarte and Senior Art Director Rick Garcia from AKQA’s studio in Amsterdam have won the JongeHonden (Dutch Young Lions). The brief came from Het Concertgebouw, a concert hall looking for ways to attract younger audiences.

Managing Director AKQA Australia and New Zealand Alisia Muscat hosted a panel while AKQA’s Camila Acosta, Engineering Lead was shortlisted in the engineering category, and Mel Huang received the highly commended award in the design category.

Principal of Experience AKQA San Francisco Hillary Coe and ECD Grey New York Andre Gray are honoured in this year’s Adweek’s Creative 100. An annual celebration of today’s top innovators and most fascinating creative professionals.

Executive Product Director AKQA Auckland Matt Townsend presented a keynote at New Zealand’s leading brand summit. Matt shared insights regarding the future of experiences, referring to, the sustainability gap.

The Drum Awards for Digital Advertising APAC recognises the most effective and innovative work, with a diverse range of voices to judge the work. Creative Director AKQA Shanghai Florence Ng has been selected to join the jury.

Dan Dowden-Brown joins digital product studio Potato as Delivery Director for its US operation. Dan joins from AKQA where he was Delivery Director and part of the management team for five years. He brings a wealth of client experience to the team.

Managing Director AKQA Australia and New Zealand Alisia Muscat speaks to BandT, reflecting on her thirteen-year career as a woman leading in tech. Alisia highlights how vital diversity is as a core value.

Hideaki Hara has been promoted to AKQA Tokyo’s new General Manager. On his appointment, Hideaki said: “Businesses are constantly changing, I’m excited to continue innovating with our remarkable team and clients.”

Every year BIMA celebrates 100 people who are shaping the future of Britain’s digital industry. Senior Developer Potato and MUST Platform Architect at Fictioneers James Spencer has been named as a Tech Trailblazer.

Cassi Husain joins as Group Strategy Director, and Head of Research and Analytics in San Francisco. Cassi comes to AKQA with more than ten years of experience.

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

Executive Creative Director AKQA Johnny Budden speaks to the Drum about how AKQA has kept up its culture of excellence while colleagues and creatives are working apart.

Partnerships Manager AKQA London Gemma Redgrave has been named in The Dots rising stars inspiring change list, spotlighted as an individual who is transforming today’s industry.

Hillary Coe joins as Principal of Experience, in San Francisco. Hillary has 15 years of experience in design, catering to some of the world’s largest and innovative companies.

At AKQA São Paulo Luiza Baffa has been promoted to Managing Director and Renato Zandoná to Executive Creative Director; leading the studio, its partnerships and client collaborations.

The Equileap Global Report assessed 3,702 publicly-listed companies across 19 gender equality criteria.

JoRoan Lazaro joins AKQA as Executive Creative Director with over 20 years of experience in product design and will lead the creative team in New York.

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.

Grey Global Client Leader Debby Reiner; Strategic Planner AKQA London Rosie Cross, and Executive Creative Director Grey Africa Steph van Niekerk were all recognised in the awards.

Jade Tomlin has joined AKQA London as Group Creative Director. Jade has over 12 years’ experience in lead creative roles, and reports into Johnny Budden.

Across AKQA Group, employees have been invited to participate in the Executive and Grand Jury for this year’s New York Festival Advertising Awards.

Bianca 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.

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.

Designer Becky Swarbrick has been named as the People’s Choice Emerging Talent winner, receiving the most public votes for her work.

Copywriter Erika Moreira is named as the Latin American Next Creative Leaders winner by The One Club for Creativity; celebrating women and non-binary professionals.

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

CCO Grey Africa Fran Luckin shared her chairperson’s report at the recent Loeries Awards, including her thoughts on the impact of creativity during the unpredictable year.

Executive Creative Director Grey Africa Glenn Jeffrey shares his thoughts on how the world of automotive marketing is evolving as a result of the pandemic; car companies are moving more budget towards digital marketing.

President of Global Health and Wellness Grey Jason Kahner shares valuable lessons he has carried from when he was a young New York ad executive on 9/11, and explores how humanity can help us overcome immense challenges.

CEO and President Grey Japan Yukiko Ochiai shares the core elements that inspire fierce loyalty to Asia’s top brands. Yukiko said: “Being innovative, hard-working, sincere, and always doing what is right for the country.”

Chief People Officer Grey South Africa Devashnie Singh speaks to BizCommunity about how rewarding it is seeing the talent hired making magic with their gift of creativity.

Creative Partner FamousGrey Peter Ampe explores finding strength in what others may perceive as your weakness.

Ad Club Insider features GCD Grey Group Margaret Russo as she explores how marketers should plan for the unprecedented school year ahead - as a result of Covid-19.

Strategic Planning Director Grey Juan Manuel De Borja speaks to Campaign Asia about the economy in the Philippines. He shares insights on how brands have prospered during the pandemic.

Grey has appointed Nathan Gainford and Jonny Tennant-Price as joint Managing Directors, the new roles are designed to help support creative product, culture and operations.

Brandon Solis has joined Grey New York as Executive Director of Social and Connections. Brandon will oversee social media, digital content, and influencer marketing.

Senior Creatives including Steph Van Niekerk, Asawin Phanichwatana, Graham Drew, and Justine Armour from Grey have been selected as jury members for The One Show.

Sara Worthington and Armando Flores have joined Grey New York as Executive Creative Directors. Sara and Armando’s work has been recognised at Cannes, D&AD, Clios, Andys, and AICP.

President and CCO Grey Latin America and President Grey Argentina Diego Medvedocky shares his experience as a member of the creative board and the future of Argentinian advertising.

Grey Group China has appointed Kathy Liu as the new head of strategy. Kathy said: “I am delighted to take on this role and look forward to partnering with our clients to deliver truly transformative results for their brand and business.”

Grey Tokyo has announced the appointment of Masanori Tagaya as Chief Creative Officer. Masanori said: “At a time like this when the world is keen on finding the true essence of our existence, I find it to be an extraordinary opportunity to dive in.”

CCO Grey New York Justine Armour joins Ad Age’s Leading Women US 2021 class. Justine has created virtual creative hangs and hosting discussions on topics including coping with isolation and racial inequity.

Grey UK has announced the appointment of Celeste Dalairac as Executive Creative Director. Celeste said: “I am honoured to have been tasked with helping the agency ensure it fosters the perfect environment for creative work and talented people to thrive.”

Philippe Berthelot has been appointed as the new Managing Director of Grey Dubai. Philippe said: “Brand communication is my passion, and I look forward to starting this journey with Grey so we can create amazing work together.”

Grey London’s Daisy Bard and Orla O’Connor are two of Campaign’s top 30 female, non-binary and gender non-conforming rising stars.

CCO Grey Europe Javier Campopiano has been promoted to Global Creative Partner at Grey, a new position overseeing work across Europe and Asia whilst driving creative output across WPP.

Grey Africa has announced the promotion of Thando Mafongosi to Strategy Director. Mafongosi is an experienced brand marketer with years of experience in the advertising industry.

Tim Jones joins Grey Group as Chief Creative Officer pharma, where he will lead creative for the global pharmaceutical practice.

Grey Africa welcomes TJ Njozela as Creative Director. TJ believes that the power in advertising lies in its ability to affect people on a psychological and emotional level.

Associate Creative Director Grey Tokyo Ken Mitani was recognised as a Creator of the Year Medalist for his famously effective work for clients.

The multi-talented creative duo, André de Jager and Ayesha Kaprey, have joined Grey. Between them, they have been awarded Gold, Silver and Bronze Loeries throughout their careers.

Grey New York welcomes Andre G. Gray as an Executive Creative Director. CCO Grey New York Justine Armour said: “Andre is deeply committed to advocating for underrepresented voices.”

Campaign Asia speaks to President and CEO Grey Tokyo Yukiko Ochiai to share her thoughts on the best ways for brands to mark International Women’s Day.

Simon Wassef joins whiteGREY as Chief Strategy Officer leading the strategy offering. Wassef said, “whiteGREY is scarily ambitious. And our clients expect it. Let’s go.”

Managing Partner and Country Head Syed Gousul Alam Grey Bangladesh and CEO Lee Simpson whiteGREY Australia, are jury members for Creative Effectiveness and Creative Strategy.

Across Grey LATAM, they welcome two new CEOs, Denise Orman joins Grey Argentina, and Coral Arnedo joins Grey Mexico.

Christine McCambridge has been promoted to Global Executive Director Grey Commerce. Christine will implement an agency vision for integrating commerce and creativity across channels.

Industrial design studio Map announces Richard Stevens as its new Principal Director. Richard said: “For me, the most exciting challenge is to move the Map story forward.”

Joining AKQA Japan as Executive Creative Director is Terence Leong. In his new role, Terence is responsible for translating AKQA’s global creative vision for the Japanese market.

Laura Beretti, Richard Buchanen, Rosie Cross, Paul Ostryzniuk, Robbie Smith, Jacqui Sze and Yazminca Woodward are working with emerging creatives as part of D&AD New Blood Academy.

Grey New York CCO Justine Armour, and AKQA Global CCO Diego Machado spoke with The Drum about engaging junior talent during this disorienting and intensely frustrating time.

A prominent voice championing bold creative experimentation, gender equality, and diversity, CCO of Grey London Laura Jordan Bambach is recognised in the first year of Forty over 40.

Cassandra Sinclair President of North America Pharma at Grey Group discussed on WPP TV how transparency is at the intersection of culture and behaviour.

Sam Sterling has been appointed as Chief Strategy Officer across Asia-Pacific. In Sam’s new position, the region will benefit from her international experience in business.

Muse by Clio speaks to Executive Experience Design Director David Vogel discussing ways to improve your customer experience through employee experience.

User Experience Designer Yanci Wu talks to Little Black Book about how a company’s user experience can improve the overall organisation from within.

ALL RISE, a non-profit social justice publication developed by Daniel Jones and Carlos Arias from our Portland studio. It is curated by currently and formerly imprisoned people - providing a platform for creative expression.

The Effies recognise achievements in marketing communications. CEO Sara Koreishy Grey Pakistan and Executive Creative Director Yawar Iqbal at JWT-Grey, have been invited to participate on the Effies Pakistan 2021 jury.

Senior Art Director Frederik Schumann presented on stage at this year’s Design Matters, discussing aio, an app with a holistic approach to wellbeing. The event is host to a community of creative minds who share a passion for digital design.

Lead Designer Melanie Huang is listed as a B&T 30 Under 30 Creative finalist, a showcase of the brightest young talent. Melanie said “if she can inspire one other creative to reframe what they feel can be possible, then that is success.”

Qaqamba brings a wealth of diverse experience in branding, advertising and media. Her deep knowledge in alcohol marketing will help steer the Hunters brand and WPP #LIQUID team to greater heights.

Executive Vice President Yolanda Haynesworth at Grey Health & Wellness joined the Adobe panel, calling upon the advertising industry for immediate action from all organisations to include a broader spectrum of race, culture and background.

Art Director Eduarda Nieto speaks to D&AD about her career journey. From winning a Pencil at New Blood Awards, to being part of the Academy, Eduarda then went home to Brazil and began working at AKQA Casa.

Strategist Rosie Cross speaks to LBB about how we can learn from the past to look towards the future. Rosie said: “Expanding our definition of racism will help us feel a lot more comfortable tackling it.”

Experience Designer Jiapeng Song and Head of Technology Steven Gutteridge speak to Muse about emerging from the pandemic stronger. They Explain: “It’s the most trying of circumstances which create the most interesting outcomes.”

International Indie Music Season is an annual event for the global music industry to connect alongside curated panels. Managing Director Sam Sterling covered global and regional technology and lifestyle trends that are driving innovation.

Creative Director Suki Heather has been named in this year's HERoes Women Role Model list. The judges noted Suki’s role in the initial Women’s Global Council that brought together senior women across the AKQA family.

Senior Creative Jacqui J Sze recently featured in D&AD New Blood: By the Book. The video series offers advice to those entering the industry for the first time, including the do’s and don’t’s of portfolio building.

Managing Partner Simon Jefferson speaks to Top Interactive Agencies about his career and Covid-19. On the pandemic, Simon said: “it has pushed people online to do the things they would have done offline, accelerating trends we’ve seen over the past 10 years.”

Berghs School of Communication hosted a festival with the theme, ‘how does one say yes in this time of no?’. Creative Director Anthony Lui provided insight on how our Berlin studio is assisting clients, as well as advice on opportunities for graduates.

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. Mads is one of the founding forces of the award show and part of the advisory board.

Managing Partner Geoff Northcott talks to Global Vice President Nike Football, Camilo Andrade about learnings from sport and carrying them over to your career. They discuss the importance of having a distinct mission as the foundation of a brand.

Every year BIMA launches its search for the 100 most pioneering people in the digital industry. Strategist Rosie Cross has been featured on the list as a Rising Star. Celebrating future leaders earmarked for success because of the influence of their ideas.

Managing Director Alisia Muscat speaks to B&T about leading through a crisis. Alisia said: “We’ve empowered the team to lead the way, tell us how best we can stay connected, engaged and motivated.”

David Roth CEO The Store WPP EMEA and Asia recently interviewed Managing Partner Brian Vella on how retailers are increasing their digital footprint. They discussed how services are being extended and how workspaces are adjusting.

Experience Designer Jiapeng Song recently took part in a discussion for China Connect. The session covered what experiential marketing will look like beyond the pandemic and if the changes will be a temporary trend.

Executive Director of Data Science and Analytics Payam Cherchian speaks to Muse by Clio about the intersection of art and science, and includes tips on how to embed data into the creative process.

Managing Director Sam Sterling writes for Forbes about life after the pandemic. Sam said: “We can take the view that things will be uncertain, or we can take steps now to build a robust business.”

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.

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.

Managing Directors, Alisia Muscat and Sam Sterling swap stories and strategies about dealing with Covid-19 and what the West can learn from China.

Joining AKQA as Executive Strategy Director 15 months ago, Miriam Plon Sauer has recently been promoted to General Manager of our Denmark studio.

Johnny has spent nearly a decade with AKQA, in his new position Johnny’s work will unite physical and digital worlds to enhance lives across service, product and architecture.

Group Creative Director Resh Sidhu, spoke with The Drum during their Digital Transformation Festival, about the tools creatives are using to create success in today’s market.

General Manager Miriam Plon Sauer, speaks to Unfold about changing the destructive self-narrative of the PR and comms industry.

Managing Partner, Brian Vella, writes about embracing the slack in the system due to Covid-19, use this as an opportunity to prepare for what’s next.

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

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.

Managing Director, Ron Peterson was invited to present at the Sophus3 Automotive Digital Summit. Ron explored how world-leading organisations are navigating seismic shifts.

Managing Partner, Media, Scott Symonds spoke with AdExchanger about developing a product to automate the process of CTV audience targeting verification, and the importance of using digital to build brand and drive performance.

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

Chief Creative Officers Diego Machado and Hugo Veiga and Executive Creative Director Tim Devine have been selected to be part the D&AD Festival. Diego joins the panel as a judge, Hugo and Tim will be discussing Code of Conscience.

Natasha Avery is based in the USA, with over 20 years experience in recruitment and talent strategy, joining AKQA as Director of Talent Acquisition.

Sam Sterling has been promoted to Managing Director for the Greater China and Japan region. Sam spoke to Campaign Asia about how she will continue to deliver to these markets.

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 the autonomy to make ongoing decisions”.

Executive Creative Director Hugo Veiga has written for the Brazilian journal Dinheiro Vivo about the ongoing evolution of the creative industry. Highlighting the importance of ambition, and the need to always seek out references and inspiration.

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

Experience-design director Nel Johnson attended the 2019 iMedia Online Retailer Summit at Lake Taupo in New Zealand to present to a group of senior e-commerce professionals, on the theme of ‘creating moments that matter’ for their customers.

AKQA business development lead Jazz Advaney was a guest speaker at the 2019 Mirren Live Agency Growth Conference in New York. They examined what it takes to be effective in business development roles.

Senior Creative Jacqui Sze appeared as a D&AD New Blood judge, for a Heinz ideas competition which explored new ways to market the traditional tomato ketchup. Jacqui was nominated for the D&AD 2019 ‘Next Photographer’ award.

Insights and Personalisation Director, Stuart Jarvis, spoke at the Sitecore virtual commerce summit. Stuart discussed how brands are embracing the challenge of updates to data regulations.

Campaign Live’s Future Female Creative Leaders for 2019 selected AKQA Senior Creative Jacqui Sze has been selected for the ‘Ones-to-Watch’. The list profiles outstanding female talent, Jacqui was recognised for her multidisciplinary skills.

AI practice lead Kathryn Webb has featured in AdWeek to discuss the growing interest in AI’s potential for creativity. The article explores how AI can supplement the creative process rather than simply serving as an element of the finished product.

AKQA New York group creative director Resh Sidhu has featured in Australian journal AdNews to discuss life as a female in the creative industry. The interview explores how no one should have to compromise any professional or personal goal, and the need to seek out mentorship and opportunity, even if that means moving around the world.

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.

Connection in Chaos, presented by AKQA Associate Strategy Director Yazminca Woodward. In the first of three talks given at AKQA’s Simplification Insight in London, Yazminca explores Connection in Chaos and demanding less from customers. Yazminca shows how companies such as Stripe, Muji and Brandless have thrived by using simplification to expect less and deliver more.

Technology Director Shanghai, Steven Gutteridge shared his thoughts with The Business of Fashion about 5G’s impact on retail. He said: “It will enable not only richer digital experiences but also mass adoption of wearables currently hindered by 4G’s latency”.

The Empower conference, organised by Women in Sport will both identify and help to solve the causes of inequality. The conference will also harness the latest insights, social innovation and best practice evidence to provide solutions.

AKQA Art Director Natalie Vosloo and Creative Jacqui Sze joined the portfolio surgeries, offering advice to students on how to present their work and how to expand on their ideas to form campaigns.

The University of the Arts London has awarded AKQA Creative Director Resh Sidhu the Honorary Doctor of Arts, in recognition of her outstanding contribution to the fields of design, arts, animation, film and technology. The Honorary Doctorate, together with the Honorary Fellowship is the highest honour conferred by the University.

Christine is a global marketing leader with over 15 years experience driving digital acceleration and business performance for agencies and brands around the world. She recently moved to San Francisco from Shanghai where she was leading numerous client service, strategy and digital teams.

AKQA Principal Experience Designer Maggie Chau spoke at Foundry Live, Australia’s most thriving creative speaker programme. Maggie walked students through “Data Driven Design” and explored interesting ways data is being used and collected, as well as the impact that it is making.

AKQA Group Creative Director Michelle Lassman spoke with TheNextGag to discuss Future Lions 2018, her thoughts on the winning ideas and co-hosting the annual seminar in Cannes.

As part of the ‘Visions of the Future’ session at this year’s Impact Week, AKQA Lead Conversational Architect Kathryn Webb discussed the influence of AI on current market research, and how it will further shape the industry during the next 20 years.

AKQA Creative Director Resh Sidhu took to the stage for Immersive Stories at the Audi Dublin International Film Festival. The conference brings together pioneering international thought leaders on Virtual and Augmented Reality to chart new ways of storytelling on immersive platforms.

Sam Sterling has been appointed Managing Director of AKQA’s Shanghai studio, leading the team of 50 people.

Group Creative Director Ginny Golden on AKQA Tree of Lights, explains: “Tree of Lights shared the magic of the holidays and augmented reality to provide a gift to our planet. The idea is a powerful example of the digital world helping protect and preserve the real environment we all share”.

AKQA Art Director Natalie Vosloo shared her inspirations, hopes and predictions for 2018 with DigitalArts, along with 25 other leaders in creativity.

AKQA Lead Conversational Architect Kathryn Webb has been selected to judge this year’s Campaign Tech Awards.

This may look like an average day at an AKQA studio, but don’t be fooled. The all-black outfits stood for something else on Tuesday. What started as a conversation between a few friends after watching Oprah at the Golden Globes, went on to become an agency standing together in black to say #TimesUp on harassment, assault and inequality.

AKQA’s Portland studio opened its doors for a networking night in partnership with Women Who Code. AKQA Creative Developer Kathryn Webb shared an engaging presentation on her career evolution. Kathryn discussed her journey from education to employment, and shared key take-aways and lessons learnt along the way.

Group Creative Director Michelle Lassman participated in a Creativeworks panel hosted by Workfront. This interactive luncheon for marketing and agency leaders was an exclusive two-hour event featuring an expert panel and an open room discussion.

AKQA Executive Director, Technology and Delivery Miriam Healy explains the importance placed on creating an even gender balance within the studio and helping to achieve this through recruiting talented female developers from countries such as Ukraine and Russia.

AKQA hosted social media guru Karen Civil for an AKQA Insight in the San Francisco studio. Karen shared her entrepreneurial story and answered questions from the team and clients.

WPPStella hosted its second annual Ignite Show at Google’s Town Hall in London. AKQA Associate Planning Director Aivory Gaw and Creative Developer Kathryn Webb were among the speakers given just four minutes to share their interpretation of the event’s overall theme: Technology.

AKQA’s Portland studio hosted Introduction to the Command Line, the first of many events in partnership with Women Who Code. Nike Technical Lead Richa Khandelwal led 30 women through the workshop with support from AKQA Director of Technical Operations Edd Bignell.

On International Women’s Day this Wednesday, the AKQA team and clients welcomed writer and comedian Viv Groskop; author Emma Gannon and four-time ParalympicsGB sailor Hannah Stodel to an AKQA Insight hosted in London and screened across the global AKQA network.

AI Practice Lead Kathryn Webb spoke with Adweek about AI’s ability to learn mass amounts of information, giving it a unique advantage when it comes to copywriting.